The member of the House of Representatives representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Hon. Barrister Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, has described the passage of the State Police Bill as a landmark decision aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Umeha, who spoke in an interview with journalists after the passage of the constitutional amendment bill, said the development marked “a welcome achievement” for the legislature and Nigerians at large.
“For me, it is a welcome development. I see it as another achievement for this government, another achievement for the 10th House of Representatives, and another achievement for Nigerians. We have taken a tough decision. We have taken the bull by the horn,” he said.
The lawmaker said the decision reflected the urgent need to decentralise policing in response to worsening insecurity across the country.
“Insecurity is ravaging the entire country. No part of the country is spared. As parliamentarians, we have been doing everything possible to find the best solution, and I think we have taken the right decision by passing the bill for the establishment of state police,” he added.
According to him, the concept of state policing is rooted in local knowledge and effectiveness, arguing that those within a community are better positioned to understand and respond to security challenges.
“You cannot know my house more than myself who occupies it. When you talk about security, it has to do with internal activities of a particular place. You cannot know my village more than me who lives there,” he said.
Umeha noted that the passage of the bill followed broad consensus among lawmakers, describing the overwhelming support as a reflection of its importance.
“For the first time, you are seeing this level of unanimous support. About 289 members voted in support. It tells you the level of importance and awareness that has gone into this campaign,” he said.
Addressing concerns that state governors may abuse policing powers, the lawmaker said such fears were legitimate but not sufficient to reject the reform.
“That has been the fear from the onset. But there is nothing on earth you can guarantee 100 per cent. Even the food we eat carries some risks,” he said.
He added that safeguards would be embedded in the final legislation to prevent abuse of power.
“There will be certain measures and safeguards in the act that will guard against excessive or arbitrary use of power by governors. The law alone cannot do everything; the people also have a role to play,” he stated.
Umeha further called for a change in societal orientation and values, insisting that effective implementation of any law depends on the character of those enforcing it.
“If the orientation and value system are not correct, enforcement becomes difficult because human beings are involved,” he said.
On concerns that Nigerians are yet to feel the dividends of democracy, the lawmaker disagreed, insisting that progress has been made in infrastructure and governance.
“I beg to differ. Nigerians have seen and witnessed the dividends of democracy. Rome was not built in a day. This government has been intentional about addressing challenges,” he said.
He cited ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly in the South-East, as evidence of development efforts.
“Go to the South-East today, we are very happy with this government. Look at the Enugu-Port Harcourt road; it is ongoing. Go to Abakaliki-Calabar road; it is also ongoing. These are major corridors that were abandoned for years,” he said.
Umeha also urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the administration, arguing that reforms take time to yield results.
“I appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience and watch the policies this government has embarked upon. The results will come in due time,” he said.
He further noted that responsibility for accountability should not rest solely on the federal government, stressing the role of state governors and local government officials.
“Everything that happens, people look at the President and the National Assembly. But the funds are largely with governors and local governments. Nigerians should ask them questions,” he added.
The lawmaker also called on the media to play a constructive role in national development by balancing reportage.
“The media has a very big role to play. Let us project what is right and also be objective when things go wrong. That is how we build a nation,” he said.
Umeha expressed optimism that the State Police Bill would ultimately strengthen internal security and improve coordination in tackling crime across the country.