Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to commence the process that would lead to establishment of state police in the country.
The House also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to as a matter of urgency equip the Neighbourhood Safety Corps of the state so that its personnel could effectively perform the task of community policing.
According to the speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa these actions would stem the increasing spate of insecurity in the country.
Obasa noted with concern the recent attacks on communities in some states of the federation with many citizens losing their lives and belongings.
Recalling some of the latest attacks, the speaker said he read about the killing of some residents in Plateau State as well as the abduction of the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Paul Omotoso.
The speaker said though the Assembly had consistently clamoured for the establishment of state police, it is an appropriate time for the Senate and the House of Representatives to begin an amendment of the Constitution to contain the creation of the alternative policing system.
“While I commend the ninth National Assembly for doing a lot to amend the constitution, there is a need for us to call on the 10th National Assembly to see it as a matter of urgency to make the issue of state policing a major factor of development,” Obasa said.
Corroborating, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, commended the speaker for bringing up the issue of state policing again, noting that President Bola Tinubu started well with moves to rejig the economy.
Yishawu reiterated that security remains at the heart of a country’s progress
The motion was supported by other lawmakers who complained about the inadequate number of police personnel in Lagos and also suggested police reforms at the national level.
The House congratulated Tinubu on his election as chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).