State police won’t be govs’ private armies – Reps assure Nigerians
House Speaker Assures Nigerians State Police Will Not Serve as Private Armies for Governors
ABUJA — The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, assured Nigerians on Wednesday that the proposed state police will not be utilized as private forces for state governors. His remarks came during the National Security Roundtable, part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week.
Abbas emphasized that the development of state police is intended to enhance community policing while maintaining national oversight. He confirmed that the House would conduct thorough reviews of the state police bill to ensure it provides effective law enforcement without compromising democratic principles or the rule of law.
“This proposal represents one of the most significant constitutional reforms currently before the National Assembly,” he stated.
Notably, this initiative marks the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting president has officially submitted an executive bill aimed at establishing state police. Abbas underscored the historic nature of this legislative effort.
“For the first time in our history, a sitting president has made state police a central part of national reform,” he said, highlighting the seriousness of the initiative as evidenced by the formal bill now before the House of Representatives.
