The Lagos State House of Assembly called on the National Assembly to commence actions on establishing state police.

The house also appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently equip the state’s Neighbourhood Safety Corps to allow its personnel to perform the task of community policing.

During its first plenary since its inauguration on Tuesday, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said this would stem the increasing spate of insecurity.

The speaker recalled the latest killings in Plateau State and the abduction of Paul Omotoso, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Ekiti State.

According to Mr Obasa, it is an appropriate time for the National Assembly to begin an amendment of the constitution to include the alternative policing system.

“While I commend the ninth National Assembly for doing a lot to amend the constitution, there is a need for us to call on the 10th National Assembly to see it as a matter of urgency to make the issue of state policing a major factor of development,” Mr Obasa said.

Supporting the speaker, Gbolahan Yishawu representing the Eti-Osa II constituency, commended the speaker for bringing up the issue of state policing again.

Mr Yishawu noted that President Bola Tinubu started well with moves to rejig the economy, adding that security remains at the heart of a country’s progress, urging more focus.

Other lawmakers supported the motion and complained about the inadequate number of police personnel in Lagos.

The lawmakers argued further that establishing state police would boost employment nationwide.

The house also resolved a report relating to legislative compliance issues on the appointment of some governor’s nominees without the approval of the House of Assembly. 

The lawmakers called on the executive arm to henceforth act in conformity with the law.