Senate Leader Bamidele Advocates for First-Line Charge in State Police Funding
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has called for state police funding to be designated a first-line charge, warning of risks if the initiative is left to governors without federal safeguards.
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Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) has urged that funding for proposed state police forces be designated a first-line charge in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. Speaking in Abuja, Bamidele emphasized the need for financial autonomy to prevent potential misuse of the initiative, stating, 'Funding for state police services must be made a first-line charge' to ensure accountability and operational independence.
Bamidele’s position, reported by Vanguard News, underscores growing legislative scrutiny over the devolution of policing powers to states. He warned that without constitutional safeguards, the proposal could be vulnerable to exploitation by 'business class, cabals, and criminals.' The Senate leader questioned the capacity of state governments to sustainably fund such forces, citing the financial challenges already faced in maintaining existing informal security outfits—a concern echoed in Premium Times Nigeria.
The debate over state police funding arises amid broader constitutional reform discussions. Critics, including the Senate minority leader, argue that governors may leverage state police for personal or political agendas, particularly in states where fiscal responsibility is inconsistent. Bamidele’s call for first-line charge status aims to insulate the funding mechanism from executive discretion, ensuring it is protected in the national budget and not subject to reallocation or politicization at the state level.
As constitutional amendments progress, the proposal remains a contentious issue, balancing federal oversight against demands for regional autonomy in security governance.