Why FCT can’t have state police – Senate
The Senate has clarified that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will not participate in the proposed state police system, citing the absence of the requisite constitutional infrastructure to establish a local police force.
Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, emphasized that the FCT lacks a governor and a State House of Assembly, making it directly accountable to the Federal Government.
In a statement, Adaramodu noted that management of the FCT is overseen by a minister who operates under the direction of the Federal Executive Council. Legislative matters for the territory are handled by the National Assembly.
“I have heard many questions about why the Federal Capital Territory is not included in the plan for state police. The FCT’s situation is unique; it is under the Federal Government,” he stated.
He reiterated that because Abuja does not have its own governor or state legislature, it cannot adopt the same police system as the 36 states.
“The federal capital does not have its own assembly. The National Assembly is responsible for enacting laws for the Federal Capital Territory. Thus, its policing must align with the federal system, where federal police are accountable,” Adaramodu explained.
This announcement comes as the Federal Government advances its plans for a state police system. President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the draft of the Executive National Policing Bill on September 3.
