Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has cautioned against the hasty passage and implementation of the proposed State Police Bill, urging lawmakers to delay the process until after the next general elections.
Sowore warned that rushing such a critical constitutional reform without adequate safeguards could expose the system to political misuse, particularly during an election cycle.
He stressed the need for broader consultations, transparency, and institutional checks to ensure that state policing serves the public interest rather than partisan agendas.
His position aligns with growing concerns among political stakeholders and analysts who have expressed fears that state-controlled police structures could be exploited to influence electoral outcomes if introduced prematurely.
While acknowledging the importance of decentralizing policing to address Nigeria’s security challenges, Sowore maintained that timing remains crucial.
He emphasized that implementing the policy close to a general election could undermine public trust and weaken democratic processes.
Recent developments have seen the National Assembly advance legislation to establish state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
However, critics argue that key issues such as oversight, funding, and operational independence must be thoroughly addressed before full implementation.
Sowore called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to prioritise national stability and democratic integrity by allowing more time for review and consensus-building.
He further urged civil society groups, legal experts, and citizens to actively engage in the legislative process to ensure that any reform reflects the collective will of Nigerians.
Further updates are expected as deliberations on the State Police Bill continue.
