Jigawa Assembly approves state police bill
JIGAWA, Nigeria — The Jigawa State House of Assembly has approved a bill to establish a state police force following weeks of examination and discussion among lawmakers.
During a plenary session, Speaker Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin expressed optimism that the state police would enhance Nigeria’s approach to its growing security challenges. The bill was passed unanimously by the Assembly.
After the session, Dangyatin explained that the legislative review took longer than anticipated due to the necessity of thoroughly analyzing the bill’s provisions. He noted that the Assembly received the bill while in recess but prioritized it upon reconvening, leading to its swift passage.
“We received the bill when the House was on recess, and when we resumed, we began our work and expedited all our actions. Today, we have finally passed it in accordance with the law,” he stated.
The Speaker highlighted that one of the primary advantages of establishing a state police force is the recruitment of officers with a deep understanding of the communities they will serve. He emphasized that local knowledge of geography, culture, and other pertinent factors would be essential for effective policing.
“Everyone recruited for the state police will have a thorough understanding of their community, including its geographical terrain and cultural nuances,” Dangyatin stated.
He also addressed concerns regarding the potential misuse of state police by governors to target political opponents, asserting that the new security system would operate legally and serve the interests of all citizens, not just political factions.
Additionally, he assured the public that the Jigawa State Government would allocate sufficient funds for the training and equipping of the police force once it is established. Dangyatin stressed that adequate financial support is vital to ensure that officers receive the necessary training and resources to fulfill their roles effectively.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for backing the establishment of state police, calling the Assembly’s approval of the bill a significant step toward tackling Nigeria’s security issues.
While the bill has now been approved, the commencement of state police operations will still depend on the completion of further legal and administrative processes required to implement the new system.
