Senator Eyinaya Abaribe has expressed concerns over the proposed implementation of state policing in Nigeria, warning that governors could undermine the system if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
Abaribe cautioned that without constitutional guarantees, the structure and funding of state police commissions could be exposed to misuse, drawing parallels with challenges currently being experienced in the management of local government allocations.
He specifically called for a constitutional framework that would ensure direct and protected funding for state police commissions.
“Funds allocated to State Police Commissions must be constitutionally guaranteed and paid directly to the commissions. That way, we won’t face the same issues we are currently witnessing with local government funds,” he said.
“Funds allocated to State Police Commissions must be constitutionally guaranteed and paid directly to the commissions. That way, we won’t face the same issues we are currently witnessing with local government funds.”
— Senator Abaribe raises concerns over the implementation of… pic.twitter.com/3Raz96kB9M
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 25, 2026
The senator also stressed the need for strong checks and balances to prevent excessive use of power or abuse within the proposed state policing system.
Similarly, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, supported the constitutional amendment for state police, noting that it would enable governors to better secure their respective states.
He argued that the creation of state police aligns with the need for subnational governments to take greater responsibility for security within their jurisdictions.
The debate comes as the Senate considered the general principles of the bill, following its presentation by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
The bill subsequently scaled second reading, underwent clause-by-clause consideration, and was passed at third reading stage, marking a significant step forward in the legislative process for the proposed state policing framework.
– Segun Sowunmi on fear of Governors abusing state police pic.twitter.com/BSS99mzOZh
— Raymond (@ItsTheIroko) June 25, 2026
