Alia Hails National Assembly Over Passage of State Police Bill

 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has commended the National Assembly for passing the State Police Bill, describing the legislation as a landmark step toward strengthening Nigeria's security architecture.

In a press statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor said the bill, which seeks to establish state police to operate alongside the existing federal police system, represents a courageous and timely response to the country's persistent security challenges.

Governor Alia noted that he has consistently advocated for the establishment of state police, maintaining that decentralising policing is essential to improving the protection of lives and property across the country.

He recalled that while the House of Representatives passed the bill a few weeks ago, the Senate's recent concurrence demonstrates the National Assembly's genuine commitment to addressing the nation's insecurity.

According to the governor, a state policing system would enable security agencies to work more closely with local communities, allowing for quicker and more effective responses to threats due to a better understanding of local cultures, terrain, and security dynamics.

Governor Alia also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to reforming Nigeria's security framework, an issue that has remained at the forefront of national discourse for years.

He assured the people of Benue State that his administration would continue to invest in security and support reforms aimed at ensuring lasting peace, safety, and prosperity for the state and the nation.