OODUA PROGRESSIVE UNION WORLDWIDE

(OPU) WORLDWIDE COMMENDS THE PASSAGE OF THE STATE POLICING BILL BY THE NIGERIAN SENATE

The Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) Worldwide wholeheartedly welcomes and commends the Nigerian Senate for the passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill on State Policing. This landmark legislative milestone represents a significant step toward strengthening national security, advancing true federalism, and enhancing the capacity of sub-national governments to effectively address the unique security challenges within their respective jurisdictions. For many years, the Global Convener of OPU Worldwide and Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has consistently advocated for a more decentralized, community-based, and responsive policing framework as a practical and sustainable solution to Nigeria’s evolving security concerns. The Senate’s approval of the State Policing Bill is therefore a historic and commendable development that reflects the aspirations of millions of Nigerians who have long called for security structures that are more attuned to local realities and community needs.

For Yorubaland and the entire South-West region, the proposed State Police system offers a strategic opportunity to consolidate and build upon the successes already recorded through regional security initiatives such as Amotekun, OPC. A properly structured state policing architecture will strengthen intelligence gathering, improve operational efficiency, enhance collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies, and ensure more timely and effective responses to security threats. OPU Worldwide firmly believes that the establishment of State Police, supported by robust legal safeguards, institutional accountability, professional standards, and respect for fundamental human rights, will contribute significantly to the promotion of peace, public safety, economic development, and social stability across Nigeria.

As the constitutional amendment process progresses, we urge all relevant stakeholders, including the State Houses of Assembly, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and citizens across the federation, to support this critical reform in the collective interest of national unity, security, and sustainable development. The Oodua Progressive Union Worldwide remains steadfast in its commitment to the advancement of good governance, regional development, national cohesion, and the welfare of all Nigerians. We are confident that this reform, when fully implemented, will usher in a new era of community-centered security and strengthen the foundations of a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
Together in Progress.

Signed: Alh (Amb.) Abiodun Luqman Adedire (Canada)
Secretary General, Worldwide
Oodua Progressive Union
Email: opu2owe@gmail.com
https://opuworldwide.org/