A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has reacted to the passage of the bill seeking to establish state police in Nigeria.
The Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday moved to amend the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the decentralisation of policing across the country.
Reacting to the development, Moore said the policy aligned with recommendations he had supported after being asked by former US President Donald Trump to investigate reports of violence and insecurity in Nigeria.
He recalled raising the issue when Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, visited the United States.
According to Moore, the creation of state police is a significant step toward improving security and stability in Nigeria. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative and expressed optimism that the reform would be sustained.
Nigerians React
The congressman’s remarks generated reactions from Nigerians.
One supporter wrote:
“The president has been clamouring for the establishment of state police since 1999. His wife also pushed for it when she was in the Senate. Nigeria is fortunate to have him as president at this time. He is one of the most progressive and forward-thinking politicians in the country.”
Another commenter, Ademola, called for further restructuring:
“He has always clamoured for it since 1999, so this isn’t even news. What we really need now is regional government. Help us push for this.”
Gbola Banky also praised Tinubu:
“President Tinubu advocated for state police even as Governor of Lagos State years ago. Many of us knew why we voted for him. No previous president has shown the same level of courage and determination.”
Modupe Adeboye-Ayoroh welcomed the development:
“State police is long overdue. Each state should be able to determine how to secure its territory because they understand their environment better than anyone else. President Tinubu is taking the right steps.”
House of Representatives Passes State Police Bill
Earlier, members of the House of Representatives approved constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police in Nigeria.
According to the House leadership, 289 lawmakers voted in favour of the proposal, one member abstained, and no member voted against it.
The move is considered one of the most significant constitutional reforms aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture and addressing growing concerns over insecurity across the country.
