Index to Nigerian Newspapers

A bill has been introduced to amend the 1999 Nigerian Constitution to allow governors to appoint state commissioners of police. The amendment aims to decentralise the Nigeria Police Force, which has struggled to address the country's security crisis. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, puts the police on the concurrent list, allowing states to have state-controlled policing. Key innovations include transferring police from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, introducing a comprehensive framework for cohesion and accountability, and providing rigorous safeguards to prevent unwarranted interference by federal police in state police affairs. The bill also acknowledges the financial challenges faced by state police and requires the federal government to provide grants or aid, subject to the approval of the National Assembly.The proposed legislation alters Section 214 of the Constitution to distinguish between federal and state police, stating that federal police maintain public security and preserve public order. They cannot interfere with state police operations or internal security affairs, except to contain serious threats. Supporters argue that military involvement is not necessary.