Senator Garba Musa Maidoki of Kebbi South Senatorial District has criticised the handling of the proposed State Police Bill in the 10th National Assembly. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today on Tuesday night, Maidoki said lawmakers received the 146-page draft only hours before it was scheduled for second reading. He described the process as undemocratic, noting that stakeholders who participated in public hearings had not been given access to the final draft. The senator stated that the bill would be passed regardless of members' readiness, saying, "Whether you like it or not, it will be passed at second reading."
Maidoki expressed concern over the rushed legislative process, calling it a disgrace in a civilised society. He argued that laws made in the National Assembly often serve specific individuals rather than national interests. While not opposing the concept of state policing, he questioned the timing and lack of confidence in implementing existing laws. He cited the recent Electoral Act as an example, noting that despite its provisions, primary elections did not reflect adherence to the law. "Everybody knows what happened at the primaries," he said.
The senator insisted that Nigeria should first enforce current laws before introducing new constitutional frameworks. He maintained that the principles behind state policing are not flawed, but implementation remains a major challenge. "There is no state where any opposition, no matter how strong you are or how much people like you, will win a local government election," Maidoki said. "The only people who have this document are members of the National Assembly, and we received it today." He stressed that laws on the books have no meaning if not practised.
Senator Maidoki claims lawmakers received the 146-page State Police Bill just hours before its second reading, yet insists it will pass regardless of readiness. He questions how laws can be trusted when recent electoral reforms failed to prevent manipulation in party primaries. The same lawmakers pushing this bill were unable to uphold the Electoral Act they themselves passed. Trust in new legislation collapses when existing laws are ignored by those mandated to enforce them.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
