The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, has assured residents that lawmakers will prioritise the protection of citizens when considering the proposed state police bill.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with South-East PUNCH in Umuahia, Emeruwa said the constitutional amendment, which has been passed by the Senate, will require approval by state Houses of Assembly before it can take effect.

He said the Abia Assembly is generally in agreement with the Senate’s provisions, including the proposal empowering governors to appoint commissioners of police for their respective states.

According to him, many of the issues contained in the bill had already been discussed before its final passage by the Senate.

Emeruwa disclosed that he participated in discussions on the proposed legislation and expressed confidence that the Abia State House of Assembly would support the constitutional amendment and the powers granted to governors regarding the appointment of state commissioners of police.

He argued that since the state police system would operate within individual states, it is appropriate for governors to appoint commissioners of police.

However, the Speaker stressed that the Assembly would not make a final decision until lawmakers have carefully examined the bill in its entirety.

He said members would review both the strengths and possible shortcomings of the legislation before taking a position.

Responding to concerns that some governors could use state police to intimidate political opponents, Emeruwa said he does not believe such abuses would be allowed under the proposed law.

According to him, the bill is expected to contain legal safeguards that would limit the powers of governors and prevent misuse of the system.

He noted that any governor who acts outside the provisions of the law would be acting illegally, adding that no state could impose conditions that conflict with the legislation.

On the issue of oversight, Emeruwa acknowledged that the exact level of independence for bodies that will supervise state police operations is yet to be fully clarified.

He, however, expressed confidence that the existing system of checks and balances among the executive, legislature and judiciary would provide adequate oversight.

The Speaker added that the Abia State House of Assembly would exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities over relevant state institutions, while similar supervisory mechanisms already in place at the national level for the Nigeria Police Force could serve as a model for state police operations to guard against possible excesses.