Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the passage of the State Police Bill, describing it as a landmark achievement that could transform Nigeria’s security architecture.
Metuh, who currently serves as Director of Mobilisation and Enlightenment of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, said the successful passage of the Executive Bill marked one of the most significant accomplishments of the Tinubu administration.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the former PDP spokesman described the legislation as “a historic milestone in Nigeria’s security reform” and “a turning point” in the country’s efforts to tackle worsening insecurity.
“For many years, Nigerians from diverse political, ethnic and religious backgrounds have advocated for the decentralisation of policing to enable a more effective and responsive security framework. Today, that vision is becoming a reality,” he said.
Metuh commended President Tinubu for pursuing a reform that previous administrations failed to implement despite widespread public support.
According to him, the establishment of state police offers a practical solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges by improving community policing, enhancing intelligence gathering through local knowledge of languages, culture and terrain, and ensuring faster responses to security threats.
He added that the new policing structure would strengthen efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes while providing greater protection for rural communities and vulnerable populations.
Metuh also noted that the initiative would create employment opportunities through the recruitment and training of security personnel, strengthen Nigeria’s federal system by giving states greater responsibility for protecting lives and property, and ease the operational burden on federal security agencies.
He further stated that a more effective policing system would improve accountability within law enforcement, encourage investment, and stimulate economic growth by creating a safer environment for businesses and citizens.
While celebrating the passage of the bill, Metuh urged governors across the federation to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure its successful implementation.
“The primary objective must be the protection of citizens and the preservation of law and order,” he said.
He also called on the National Assembly, state governments, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to establish safeguards that would prevent abuse of the new policing system.
“State police must never become instruments of political intimidation or oppression. Instead, they must operate professionally, independently and in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law,” he cautioned.
Metuh further urged political leaders to place national interest above partisan considerations, expressing confidence that, if properly implemented, state police would significantly strengthen grassroots policing, enhance internal security and contribute to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
He concluded by congratulating President Tinubu for what he described as a bold and transformative reform that could redefine Nigeria’s security framework for generations to come.
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