The approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill, which aims to create state police in Nigeria, has been applauded by American politician Riley Moore.
Moore, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, stated that the reform will lessen reliance on security decisions from Abuja and let states better defend their citizens.
On Wednesday, he posted the comments on his 𝕏 handle.
Moore stated that he had long supported the creation of state-level police forces in Nigeria, particularly with regard to assaults on Christians.
Since I first began looking into the genocide against Christians in Nigeria, I have advocated both publicly and privately for the establishment of state-level police forces, therefore I’m happy to see the Nigerian Senate pass legislation to do so.
He stated, “I can’t stress how important this law is to the effort to defend persecuted Christians and address insecurity because it will empower states to protect their own citizens and reduce dependence on decision makers in Abuja.”
President Bola Tinubu was praised by the U.S. congressman for endorsing the plan.
He did point out that before going into force, the change would still need to be approved by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly.
“We need two thirds of the states to ratify it before it takes effect, but President Tinubu deserves credit for pushing it forward,” Moore continued.
More than two-thirds of senators voted in favor of the Constitution Alteration Bill, which aims to create state police throughout the federation, and the Senate passed it on Wednesday.
The goal of the proposed legislation is to establish a state police force that will function in tandem with the federal police force.
Subject to confirmation by their respective Houses of Assembly, governors will have the authority to designate Commissioners of Police for their states under the law.
Additionally, the measure includes clauses designed to restrict the misuse of state police authority.
It stipulates that, unless authorized by law, state police cannot be used against people or organizations for simply criticizing a state government.
Only after obtaining the necessary approvals from state legislatures and finishing other constitutional procedures will the law be included into the Constitution.
