State police will not work effectively unless… – Obasa

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has said state police cannot function effectively if substantial control remains with the Federal Government.

According to Daily Post, Obasa spoke during plenary on Tuesday as lawmakers endorsed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, establishing State Police Services.

Obasa welcomed the proposal but argued that true federalism required states to exercise greater authority over their security structures.

“Even though we are happy that we are having state police, our interests and positions have not been well taken care of in this alteration. You would realise that the major control still lies at the centre.

“There is a provision that says where there is a conflict between the State Assembly and National Assembly, the federal prevails. But it is still a step forward. I want to believe that there is hope in the future that will give total control to the state.”

The Assembly subsequently endorsed the proposed amendment.