President Can Take Over State Police If Abuse Occurs, Says Barau

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has assured Nigerians that adequate constitutional safeguards have been built into the proposed State Police framework to prevent abuse by state governments, stating that the President would have the authority to intervene where necessary.

Barau said the proposed legislation empowers the President to assume control of a state’s police service in situations where there is evidence of abuse, a breakdown of law and order, or other circumstances requiring federal intervention.

He noted that the provision is intended to ensure accountability while preserving the integrity of the country’s security architecture.

The Deputy Senate President explained that the State Police Bill seeks to decentralise policing to enable states respond more effectively to local security challenges without compromising national security.

He stressed that fears that governors would misuse state police had been addressed through constitutional checks and oversight mechanisms.

According to Barau, the proposed law creates a balance between state autonomy and federal oversight, ensuring that the Federal Government can act decisively whenever state police are deployed for political persecution or in violation of constitutional provisions.

He maintained that the reforms would strengthen internal security while safeguarding citizens’ rights.

The State Police Bill, recently passed by the National Assembly, is expected to proceed through the constitutional amendment process, including approval by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can become law.