Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday revealed that the National Assembly has begun work on a decentralised policing system aimed at reinforcing accountability and preventing its misuse by the political class.
Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the parliament is committed to designing a framework for state police that serves the interests of all Nigerians, irrespective of their social or political standing.
He made the announcement in a statement issued personally by his Media Office on Sunday to mark the 74th birthday of President Bola Tinubu, while also praising the administration for various initiatives to stabilise the country and tackle security challenges.
According to the Senate leader, President Tinubu has demonstrated strong cooperation with the National Assembly in addressing insecurity, noting that the government is adopting innovative strategies beyond conventional approaches to combat extremism, terrorism, and violent crimes.
Bamidele emphasised that the president has consistently backed the establishment of a decentralised police structure, describing it as a crucial measure in the broader effort to protect lives, private property, and critical national assets across Nigeria.
He explained that the proposed model seeks to devolve policing powers to sub-national authorities, ensuring more effective governance, particularly in hard-to-reach and remote communities.
“This is one request that the National Assembly has been treating with priority,” he stated, underlining the urgency attached to the initiative.
The Senate leader further noted that the framework would embed strict accountability mechanisms designed to curb abuse of power by political actors, strengthen justice delivery, discourage impunity, and safeguard fundamental human rights.
“All these initiatives were at the core of shared conviction, which the Presidency and National Assembly have been working on to secure Nigeria better,” Bamidele added, assuring Nigerians that the model would align with global best practices.
Bamidele also used the occasion to reflect on President Tinubu’s leadership at 74, describing him as a statesman whose lifelong commitment to national development continues to shape Nigeria’s trajectory.
He said the president had exhibited unwavering dedication, patriotism, and resilience in navigating the country through challenging periods, noting that his reforms, though initially difficult, are already yielding positive results.
Describing Tinubu as “a man of history, purpose and vision,” Bamidele said the president has consistently shown the capacity to rise above challenges in pursuit of national progress.
