Policing
By Naomi Sharang
Abuja, March 29, 2026 (NAN) Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, says the National Assembly has begun work on a decentralised police model to promote accountability and curb political abuse.
Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said parliament was committed to a framework serving all citizens equally.
He made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday to mark President Bola Tinubu’s 74th birthday.
He praised the President’s initiatives aimed at securing and stabilising Nigeria, noting improved cooperation with the National Assembly to tackle insecurity.
Bamidele said Tinubu was exploring innovative approaches to address extremism, terrorism and armed attacks across the country.
He noted the President “has already lent his voice to the creation of a decentralised police model to ensure security of lives and property”.
According to him, the model is to devolve policing powers to sub-national authorities for effective governance, even in the remotest parts of the country.
“This is one request that the National Assembly has been treating with priority,” he said.
Bamidele said: “The proposed framework “will incorporate accountability mechanisms to prevent abuse of power by the political class.
“It will reinforce justice administration, discourage impunity and set guardrails for preserving fundamental human rights.
“All these initiatives are part of a shared conviction between the Presidency and National Assembly to better secure Nigeria.”
He assured Nigerians the framework would align with accountability standards and global best practices.
Amid persistent security challenges, stakeholders have advocated a decentralised police model reflecting Nigeria’s federal character.
The move is aimed at strengthening protection of lives and property nationwide.
While Tinubu has supported the model, the Nigeria Police submitted a 75-page framework to Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, for legislative review.
Bamidele also hailed Tinubu at 74, saying he has shown loyalty, sacrifice and commitment to Nigeria’s collective prosperity.
He described the President as a man of history, purpose and vision, who rose above barriers to steer the nation through turbulent times.
“His reforms, though initially painful, are now yielding outcomes that promise a greater Nigeria.
“Tinubu has remained firm and resolute, leading with conviction, resilience and patriotism despite current challenges.
“Now as the 16th President, he has made tough policy choices his predecessors could not decisively implement.
“Those choices have moved Nigeria from uncertainty towards a path of future prosperity,” Bamidele said.
He cited macroeconomic reforms, noting they strengthened the naira and boosted foreign reserves.
According to him, reserves rose from 35.09 billion dollars in May 2023 to 50.02 billion dollars in March 2026.
“By this record alone, foreign reserves increased by 42.54 per cent under his leadership,” he said.
