State police: Nigerians’ concerns will be addressed, says Barau

• Deputy Senate President receives IGP’s committee

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has said hailed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu for working in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure the country is fully secured.

He promised that authorities would examine and address the concerns of Nigerians over the creation of state and community police.

Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, spoke in Abuja while hostingFrom Sanni Onogu, Abuja

 members of the steering committee of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that was established to develop a framework for the establishment of state police.

The committee was led by its Chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin.

A statement by the Deputy Senate President’s spokesman, Ismail Mudashir, said Ogunsakin briefed Barau on the committee’s mandate and sought the Senate’s advice and contributions to enrich its report.

Barau urged the committee’s members to work out measures that would promote accountability, safeguard against abuse, and embark on an enlightenment drive.

“You must, most importantly, work on a structure to create a robust public safety mechanism and engender a secure nation.

“During public hearings of the Senate on the amendments of the 1999 Constitution, Nigerians raised their concerns and fears about the establishment of state police. We should create a system that allays their fears,” he said.

 On March 4, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee to develop a framework for state police.

One of the Bills before the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is the one seeking to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State and Community Police to enhance local law enforcement capabilities and community engagement through a structured legal framework.

To promote broad participation and inclusivity, the committee on the review of the Constitution under the Chairmanship of Senator Barau conducted zonal public hearings in six locations across the country’s six geopolitical zones, allowing all stakeholders to contribute their quota to the amendment process.