U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has applauded President Bola Tinubu for championing the State Police Bill recently approved by the Nigerian Senate.
Reacting to the Senate’s approval of the bill on Wednesday evening, Moore welcomed the development, saying, “I’m encouraged to see Nigeria’s Senate approve legislation to establish state-level police forces.
“I can’t stress how critical this law is.
“It will empower states to protect their citizens and reduce dependence on decision makers in Abuja.”
He said he had advocated the reform publicly and privately since investigating alleged attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
According to him, decentralised policing will strengthen efforts to combat insecurity and protect vulnerable communities.
“President Tinubu deserves credit for pushing it forward,” added.
Moore described the legislation as a significant step towards addressing insecurity and strengthening local security responses across Nigeria.
The U.S. lawmaker has become a leading voice in the U.S. Congress on Nigeria’s security challenges and religious freedom concerns.
He has repeatedly urged the U.S. government to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
The designation is provided under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act for countries accused of severe religious freedom violations.
The congressman has also engaged U.S. policymakers and international stakeholders on violence allegedly affecting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
The Senate approved the constitutional amendment bill on Wednesday as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing structure.
The proposed reform will allow states to establish police services alongside the existing federal police force.
The legislation enjoys bipartisan support and has been debated for years amid growing security concerns nationwide.
The amendment will now proceed to state legislatures where it is expected to be ratified by two-thirds in line with constitutional requirements.
