Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has expressed concerns over the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria. In a statement released on Friday, Ayodele warned President Bola Tinubu against rushing the implementation of the new policing system, citing potential security challenges and conflicts with the existing Nigeria Police Force. He emphasized that poor planning could undermine the initiative, which aims to tackle insecurity in the country.
Ayodele's warning comes as the National Assembly has made progress in the proposed constitutional amendment to establish a dual policing system in Nigeria. The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval in September. The state assemblies were given 30 days to communicate their decisions. According to the Presidency, 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly have approved the amendment, meeting the two-thirds threshold required for constitutional alteration.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a dual policing system comprising the Federal Police Service and state police services. If implemented, the new system would provide constitutional backing for the policing framework outlined in the draft National Policing Bill, 2026. The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, led by Femi Gbajabiamila, confirmed the approval of the amendment by the state assemblies and commended them for their support.
Ayodele acknowledged that state police could help address insecurity in Nigeria but stressed that careful planning was necessary to avoid conflicts between state police officers and the existing Nigeria Police Force. He argued that the government must address outstanding issues before implementing the proposed policing system. The cleric's concerns were echoed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, who emphasized the need for a well-planned implementation process.
The draft National Policing Bill, 2026, is currently undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice. The Working Group expects the bills to be returned on or before October 30, 2026, and will give them final consideration before presenting them to President Tinubu. The group has urged stakeholders to support the transition to a dual policing system, which aims to improve the safety of Nigerians.
Ayodele's warning has sparked a renewed debate on the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria. While some argue that state police could help tackle insecurity, others have expressed concerns over the potential risks and challenges associated with the new policing system. As the government moves forward with the implementation process, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed.
The establishment of state police has been touted as a potential solution to Nigeria's security challenges. However, Ayodele's warning serves as a reminder of the need for careful planning and consideration to avoid unintended consequences. The government must balance the need for improved security with the need to avoid creating new problems.
Key points
- Primate Elijah Ayodele warns President Bola Tinubu against rushing the establishment of state police.
- The proposed constitutional amendment to establish a dual policing system has been approved by 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
- The draft National Policing Bill, 2026, is currently undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
