by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Advisory Committee has recently visited the Plateau State House of Assembly to “formally seek legislative support and partnership” in the ongoing consultations towards the implementation of State Police in the state.
Chairman of the Committee, Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Habila Joshak, who led the committee to the House of Assembly on Thursday in Jos, described the development as a reflection of the state’s commitment to transparent collaboration, and proactive engagement with critical stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
The Chairman noted that, the passage of the State Police legislation represents a historic milestone in Nigeria’s democratic and constitutional development.
According to him, the initiative offers Plateau State and the nation the opportunity to strengthen grassroots security, encourage community participation in law enforcement, and build public confidence in security institutions.
He further disclosed that Plateau State has become the first state in the federation to formally engage its legislature on the implementation of State Police.
He expressed delight that, the development is a reflection of the state’s commitment to transparent collaboration, and proactive engagement with critical stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
Also, a member of the committee, Prof. Chris Kwaja, explained the insights of the State Police Bill passed by the National Assembly, saying, “The legislation seeks to strengthen security governance by creating a policing structure that is closer to the people and better positioned to respond to local security concerns.”
Prof. Kwaja underscored the need for adequate safeguards, accountability mechanisms, institutional checks, and sustainable funding to ensure the success of State Police across the country.
He added that collaboration between the legislature, the executive arm of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders would be critical in developing a workable framework tailored to the peculiar security needs of Plateau State.
He further noted that the partnership between the Advisory Committee and the Plateau State House of Assembly would go a long way in ensuring effective implementation of the initiative through extensive consultations and stakeholder engagement aimed at creating a safer, more peaceful, and secure Plateau State.
Responding, the Plateau State Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, assured the State Advisory Committee of the State Police of its readiness to partner with them and other relevant stakeholders towards the successful establishment and implementation of State Police Act, if eventually passed.
He noted that Plateau State has been advocating for the establishment of State Police as a strategic measure of addressing the recurring security challenges confronting communities across the state.
He also observed that the dynamic nature of security threats across the country has further reinforced the need for a more localized, responsive, and intelligence-driven policing system that is capable of addressing peculiar challenges within the respective states.
According to the Speaker, “The establishment of State Police presents a unique opportunity to strengthen grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering, enhance community participation in security management, and ensures faster responses to emerging threats.”
He reemphasized that the people of Plateau State have consistently expressed support for a security framework that is closer to the communities and more accountable to the citizens.
Rt. Hon. Daniel stated that whenever the State Police Bill is transmitted to the Plateau State House of Assembly for concurrence and subsequent legislative action, the Assembly will work closely with the Advisory Committee, security experts, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to develop a legal framework that guarantees professionalism, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the operation of the proposed Plateau State Police.
The Speaker further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration for demonstrating the political will to advance discussions and legislative processes aimed at addressing the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, particularly in the area of security and the protection of lives and property.
He described the move as a bold step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture as well as deepening democratic governance.
Rt. Hon. Daniel also appreciated Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his foresight and commitment in constituting and inaugurating the Plateau State Advisory Committee on State Police.
He noted that the committee comprises of experienced men and women with integrity, proven competence and expertise, expressing confidence that their recommendations would provide a solid foundation for the successful takeoff and implementation of State Police in Plateau.