The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has declared that state police can not operate effectively with out the removing of federal control.
Obasa, who spoke on Tuesday throughout plenary, insisted that any constitutional provision retaining federal dominance over state policing would defeat the aim of the reform.
He mentioned eradicating federal control was mandatory to make sure that state police operate effectively, including that the introduction of state police would assist decentralise Nigeria’s safety structure.
However, he faulted the proposed constitutional modification for failing to resolve elementary questions surrounding operational control, warning that it nonetheless concentrated substantial powers on the centre.
According to him, true federalism requires states to have full authority over the administration of their safety programs.
The speaker spoke because the Lagos State House of Assembly formally endorsed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, transmitted to state assemblies by the Clerk of the National Assembly for ratification in keeping with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Obasa mentioned the proposed modification was a step ahead however expressed concern that the pursuits and positions of state assemblies had not been adequately addressed.
He mentioned, “Even though we are happy that we are having state police, our interests and positions have not been well taken care of in this alteration. You would realise that the major control still lies at the centre.
“There is a provision that says where there is a conflict between the State Assembly and National Assembly, the federal prevails. But it is still a step forward. I want to believe that there is hope in the future that will give total control to the state.”
