Nigerians are expressing mixed reactions to recent constitutional amendments proposed by the House of Representatives. The amendments include the establishment of State Police and Local Government Police and the designation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) House of Assembly and Court of Appeal as the final arbiters for governorship and legislative election petitions.
Peter Ameh, the national secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has voiced support for establishing state and local government police, arguing that it represents progress in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. The proposed amendments also seek to enforce the compulsory resignation of national and state executive members of political parties before seeking elective positions, a move that has stirred significant debate.
Political analyst Kunle Egbeniyi believes that this amendment will enhance political stability and accountability. He highlighted the issue of frequent defections by lawmakers, which has led to instability in Nigeria’s political landscape, asserting that formal resignations will foster transparency and restore trust among constituents.
Conversely, critics like Tony Uroko argue that the bill infringes on lawmakers’ rights to freedom of association, claiming it adds unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for those wishing to change parties. Uroko warns that such measures do not address the underlying issues of defections, such as a lack of internal party democracy.
In a related discussion, the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has backed the proposed amendments that call for the resolution of election-related appeals before the swearing-in of elected officials. YCE representatives stress the importance of ensuring that election petitions are settled promptly to prevent manipulation by those in power.
Furthermore, discussions surrounding the establishment of state police are gaining traction among various stakeholders. Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the APC, believes that state police are essential, given the current security climate in Nigeria. He suggests that state police should be linked with federal forces to ensure effective coordination.
Advocates for state and local police emphasize the potential for improved security through localized law enforcement, arguing that it would allow for quicker responses to specific regional challenges. However, concerns regarding the potential misuse of state police by governors remain a critical point of contention.
As Nigeria navigates these proposed constitutional changes, the implications for governance and public safety remain at the forefront of national discourse. Citizens continue to engage in discussions about the balance of power, accountability, and the future of law enforcement in the country.
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-Guardian
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