A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has welcomed the Nigerian Senate’s approval of the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, describing the move as a major step toward improving security and protecting persecuted Christians.
Moore, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, made the remarks in a post on his X account following the Senate’s passage of the bill.
“State-level police forces will empower states to protect their own citizens and reduce dependence on decision makers in Abuja.”
The U.S. lawmaker said he had long advocated for the creation of state police, arguing that decentralising policing would strengthen security efforts across Nigeria.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the proposal but noted that the constitutional amendment must still receive approval from at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can become law.
“President Tinubu deserves credit for pushing it forward, but the states must still ratify it.”
The Senate passed the State Police Bill on Wednesday, paving the way for states to establish their own police services alongside the Federal Police Service.
The proposed legislation also contains safeguards aimed at preventing abuse of state police by governors and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
If approved by the required number of state legislatures, the amendment will become part of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Source: Riley Moore (X) / Nigerian Senate
