Obasa: State Police Cannot Work Effectively Under Federal Control

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has argued that state police cannot function effectively unless the Federal Government relinquishes control over their operations.

Obasa made the remarks on Tuesday during plenary, as lawmakers considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, transmitted to state assemblies for ratification in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The speaker said the proposed constitutional amendment represented progress towards decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture but warned that retaining significant federal authority could undermine the purpose of establishing state police.

According to Obasa, states must have sufficient authority to manage their security systems if the country is to practise true federalism. He expressed concern that the proposed amendment had not adequately accommodated the interests and positions of state assemblies.

“Even though we are happy that we are having state police, our interests and positions have not been well taken care of in this alteration. You would realise that the major control still lies at the centre,” he said.

Obasa also questioned a provision which, according to him, gives the federal level precedence in the event of a conflict between a state assembly and the National Assembly.

“There is a provision that says where there is a conflict between the State Assembly and National Assembly, the federal prevails. But it is still a step forward,” he stated.

Despite his reservations, the speaker expressed hope that future constitutional changes would give states greater authority over their police structures.

“I want to believe that there is hope in the future that will give total control to the state,” he added.

The debate over state police centres on how security responsibilities should be divided between federal and state authorities. Obasa’s position highlights concerns about whether the proposed constitutional framework would provide states with enough operational independence to manage local security challenges.

The Lagos State House of Assembly’s endorsement of the proposed alteration marks its participation in the constitutional amendment process, although Obasa maintained that further changes would be needed to address the question of control.