A former secretary of the APC committee of diaspora chairmen, Ayoola Lawal, says state police should be one of the best gifts the federal Government and the National Assembly should give to Nigerians as the nation marks 27 years of uninterrupted democracy.

Mr Lawal, a former chairman of the APC in the Scandinavian countries, made the appeal in a statement on Friday to commemorate Nigeria’s 2026 June 12 Democracy Day.

He commended the House of Representatives for adopting the report on the establishment of the state police and for approving key constitutional amendment clauses in it.

According to him, there is a need to fast-track the state police legislation so that the president can sign it into law.

“This move by the House of Representatives marks one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history. It represents a courageous and forward-looking response to the complex security realities confronting our nation. I commend President Bola Tinubu for providing the political leadership necessary to advance this long-awaited reform.

“I also congratulate the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and members of the green chamber for demonstrating patriotism, courage, and urgency in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing national challenges.

“Their action reflects a growing consensus that the country’s security architecture must evolve to meet contemporary threats,” he said.

According to Mr Lawal, for decades, Nigerians across all regions have endured terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, separatist unrest, and organised criminality.

He said, “While the Nigeria Police Force has continued to serve with dedication under difficult circumstances, it has become increasingly evident that a highly centralised policing structure is overstretched in a nation of more than 220 million people with vast geographical, cultural, and security complexities.

“The movement toward state police is not a rejection of national unity. Rather, it is an acknowledgement that effective security in a federal system requires a balance between national coordination and local responsiveness.

“Communities are best protected when law enforcement possesses local knowledge, understands local dynamics, speaks local languages, and can respond rapidly to emerging threats.

“The presidency recently confirmed that the constitutional framework for state police is nearing completion following extensive consultations among the executive, National Assembly, and security stakeholders.

“This demonstrates that the reform is being approached with seriousness, diligence, and a commitment to national stability.”

The diaspora chieftain, therefore, urged the Senate and the entire National Assembly to prioritise the remaining legislative processes required to bring the police reform to fruition.

He added, “The momentum already generated must not be allowed to dissipate. Nigerians expect decisive action, and history will judge this generation of leaders by its willingness to confront insecurity with innovative and practical solutions.

“The success of state police will depend on the establishment of robust constitutional safeguards, professional recruitment standards, transparent funding mechanisms, independent oversight structures, and clear operational coordination with federal security agencies.

“Those who express concerns about potential political misuse of state police raise legitimate questions that must be addressed through strong institutional protections.

“The answer is not to abandon reform but to design it wisely. Accountability mechanisms, judicial oversight, legislative supervision, professional standards, and constitutional guarantees can ensure that it serves citizens rather than political interests.”

He also stated that state governments must be prepared to invest substantially in training, technology, intelligence gathering, forensic capabilities, and community policing frameworks.

“A modern security system cannot be built merely by changing constitutional language; it requires sustained political commitment and financial responsibility.

“As someone who has observed security systems across different jurisdictions, I am convinced that Nigeria’s security challenges require a more decentralised, intelligence-driven, and community-focused approach.

“State police offers an opportunity to build such a framework while preserving national cohesion through effective federal coordination.

“The national assembly has taken an important step. The Presidency has demonstrated commitment. The states must now prepare for responsibility. Together, these efforts can lay the foundation for a safer, more secure, and more prosperous Nigeria,” Mr Lawal said.

He, however, urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora not to view the reform through partisan lenses.

“It is a national imperative. Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or region, stands to benefit from a security architecture that is more responsive, more accountable, and more effective.

“I urge all stakeholders to remain focused on the ultimate objective: protecting the lives, property, and future of the Nigerian people.

“If implemented with wisdom, professionalism, and integrity, state police could become one of the most transformative security reforms in the history of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Nigeria must seize this moment,” he added.

(NAN)