Senator Gbenga Ashafa,  who represented Lagos East (2011-2019), has applauded President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for pushing through the State Police Bill, describing the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for a more effective security architecture.

Ashafa, noted that the proposal was not new to the National Assembly, recalling that a similar bill had previously scaled first and second readings in the Senate before being defeated at the third reading by powerful interest groups in the Red Chamber, who opposed the initiative.

He said the decision of the 10th National Assembly to pass the bill demonstrated political courage and responsiveness to Nigeria’s evolving security realities.

According to him, Nigerians should recognise the efforts of President Tinubu in pursuing reforms aimed at improving governance and security, stressing that the administration deserves public support.

While expressing strong backing for state police, Ashafa identified what he described as a critical grey area that lawmakers must address before the new security framework becomes operational.

He said the relationship between the Federal Police, State Police and other sub-national security structures must be clearly defined to avoid future conflicts and constitutional disputes.

A key concern, he noted, is the issue of operational command and authority, particularly regarding who would exercise final control during security emergencies, despite governors being designated as chief security officers of their respective states.

“This area must be clearly articulated; otherwise, it may lead to extensive litigation that could undermine the very essence of the exercise. I want the lawmakers to work on this aspect of the bill,” he said.

Ashafa argued that state police offer a practical response to Nigeria’s peculiar security challenges, noting that local authorities possess a better understanding of the culture, terrain and dynamics of the communities they serve than a centrally controlled police force.

However, he cautioned that the success of the initiative would depend largely on sustainable funding and well-defined operational guidelines.

According to him, states would require significantly greater financial resources to recruit, train and equip personnel, maintain police formations and provide the logistics necessary for effective policing.

He therefore called for a review of the country’s revenue allocation formula, arguing that states cannot effectively shoulder the burden of policing without enhanced fiscal capacity.

“State police is the ideal arrangement for a country like Nigeria because local authorities understand the peculiarities, culture and security realities of their communities better than a centrally controlled force,” he said.

He also urged policymakers to address concerns relating to the welfare, salaries, promotions and career progression of officers who may be transferred from the federal police structure to state commands.

Beyond security considerations, Ashafa said the introduction of state police raises broader constitutional and governance issues, including residency rights, citizenship and the freedom of movement guaranteed to all Nigerians.

He observed that Nigeria’s diversity requires a framework that protects citizens irrespective of their states of origin, noting that millions of Nigerians have built their lives and careers outside their ancestral homes.

According to him, residency and indigene-settler questions must be carefully addressed to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to justice and security services.

Drawing parallels with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other law-enforcement agencies, Ashafa stressed the need for strong oversight mechanisms to guarantee professionalism, accountability and operational efficiency.

He also underscored the importance of sustained public engagement and enlightenment, noting that opinions remain divided over the implications of state police for national unity and democratic governance.

Ashafa, who served as Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands, in Lagos State during Tinubu’s tenure as governor, maintained that while state police holds immense potential for improving security, the government must continue to build public confidence and carry citizens along to ensure the smooth implementation of the new policing framework.