The House of Representatives Press Corps is set to hold its second annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture and Awards in Abuja on October 6. The event, themed "The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism," aims to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the proposed establishment of state police. This initiative seeks to address Nigeria's security challenges and promote federalism.
The lecture will feature notable participants, including Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and former House Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu. Nnadubem Moghalu, Secretary of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research, will deliver the lecture titled "State Police, Community Security and the Future of Federalism in Nigeria."
The discussion will examine the proposed state policing framework, focusing on key aspects such as funding, recruitment, training, operational independence, accountability, and oversight. This event is particularly significant as the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police Services is currently before the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration. The bill's passage could have a substantial impact on Nigeria's policing system.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, will serve as the Chief Host, while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu is expected to attend. Other dignitaries, including the Clerk to the National Assembly Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs Akin Rotimi Junior, will also be in attendance. The event aims to promote meaningful engagement among stakeholders on major national issues.
The House of Representatives Press Corps Distinguished Parliamentarian Awards will be presented to two Nigerians for their contributions to national development, security, and public service. Governor Bago will be honored for his contributions to rural development and public leadership, while Tompolo will receive the Award of Excellence in National Assets Protection for his efforts in protecting Nigeria's critical national assets.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, stated that the annual lecture is designed to provide a platform for informed and constructive discussion on issues of national importance. The choice of state police as the topic was informed by its significance to Nigeria's security and the ongoing debate over the future of policing and federalism.
The lecture is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. at the National Assembly Library Auditorium in Abuja. Key points to be discussed include the potential benefits and challenges of establishing state police, the need for community engagement, and the importance of ensuring accountability and oversight in the proposed policing framework.
Key points
- The event aims to promote meaningful engagement among stakeholders on major national issues.
- The proposed state policing framework will be examined, focusing on funding, recruitment, training, operational independence, accountability, and oversight.
- The lecture seeks to address Nigeria's security challenges and promote federalism through informed discussion.
