Lagos Assembly back State police, push for anti-street begging bill
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday reaffirmed its support for the establishment of state police, while also advancing a bill seeking to prohibit street begging across the state through second reading.
At plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, lawmakers urged the 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration and approval of the Constitution alteration bill on state police, describing decentralised policing as a critical step towards tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
Obasa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and other stakeholders for the progress recorded on the proposed constitutional amendment, saying state police remains the most practical response to rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and other crimes.
He, however, stressed that any framework establishing state police must guarantee full operational and administrative autonomy for states.
According to him, federal intervention in the operations of state police should be clearly defined by law and limited to matters that threaten national security.
The Speaker also maintained that states should have the constitutional powers to recruit, screen and appoint personnel suited to protect their communities.
While supporting the proposal empowering governors to appoint state commissioners of police subject to confirmation by state assemblies, Obasa recommended that appointments of area commanders, zonal commanders and other senior officers should equally require legislative confirmation.
Responding to concerns over possible abuse of state police by governors, the Speaker noted that similar fears had been expressed over the Nigeria Police Force under the Federal Government, yet the institution continues to function.
He urged stakeholders not to allow such apprehensions to derail the reform, insisting that improving security and protecting lives and property should remain the overriding objective.
Earlier, the mover of the motion, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, noted that although Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution recognises only the Nigeria Police Force, the ongoing constitutional amendment process provides an opportunity to decentralise policing through the creation of state police.
Other lawmakers commended the President for demonstrating the political will to pursue the constitutional amendment, noting that the National Assembly had passed the Sixth Constitution Alteration Bill on state police with the required two-thirds majority.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also read for the second time a bill seeking to prohibit street begging in Lagos as part of efforts to improve public safety, environmental sanitation and restore order across the state.
Leading debate on the bill, lawmakers described street begging as a growing social challenge with implications for security and the image of Lagos.
Hon. Desmond Elliot called for a compassionate implementation of the proposed law, particularly regarding children, urging government to remove vulnerable minors from the streets and provide rehabilitation and adequate care.
Hon. Aro Moshood advocated a careful review of the bill to prevent possible misinterpretation or abuse by law enforcement agencies.
On his part, Hon. Bonu Solomon argued that many street beggars in Lagos are not indigenes of the state and proposed sanctions against those who encourage begging through indiscriminate almsgiving, alongside measures to apprehend adult beggars.
Also contributing, Hon. Noheem Adams described the bill as timely, recommending that beggars be relocated to rehabilitation centres where they can receive vocational training and social support. He cited Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Anambra, Abia and the Federal Capital Territory as examples where similar measures have been implemented.
In his remarks, Obasa said that while charity remains commendable, the increasing rate of street begging has become a source of insecurity and public concern.
He proposed the establishment of structured channels for charitable donations to ensure support reaches genuinely needy persons while facilitating the rehabilitation and reintegration of beggars into society.
The Speaker also directed that the proposed legislation be harmonised with existing laws before committing the bill to the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development to report back within two weeks.
The House thereafter adjourned sine die.