Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has maintained that the establishment of state police is no longer optional but necessary to effectively address Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend at his Camp Neya residence in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Kalu revealed that the Senate had already amended the relevant sections of the Constitution relating to policing.
He explained that the constitutional amendment provides for the creation of separate Federal Police and State Police systems to replace the current policing arrangement.
According to the former Abia State governor, the next phase is the passage of an enabling law that will define the structure and operations of both policing institutions.
“The enabling law will clearly spell out their responsibilities, powers and operational guidelines, including the dos and don’ts, to ensure there is no conflict between the Federal Police and State Police or between the President and state governors,” he said.
Kalu expressed optimism that the proposed Federal and State Police systems would complement each other in strengthening security nationwide.
Reflecting on his time as governor, he recalled setting up the Bakassi security outfit, popularly known as the “Bakassi Police,” to confront growing insecurity in Abia State.
He noted that the outfit worked in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and made a significant contribution to restoring peace and order across the state.
The senator also called on federal, state and local governments to step up efforts to tackle the increasing rate of crime, noting that although many criminal groups had been driven out of their hideouts, they had adopted hit-and-run attacks, creating new security concerns.
Asked about the secret behind his consistent electoral victories, Kalu credited his success to integrity, openness and fairness.
“My honesty, frankness and objectivity on issues have kept me going. I am also a man with a good heart,” he said.
About The Author
