The member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep Philip Agbese, has explained why he voted in support of the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police in Nigeria.
Agbese said his decision was guided by the overwhelming feedback from constituents and the worsening insecurity across Enone communities in Benue State and the country at large.
Speaking after the plenary session on Thursday, the lawmaker said residents in the constituency overwhelmingly supported the creation of State Police as an additional layer of security to complement existing federal security agencies.
“On behalf of the good and loving people of our Federal Constituency, I voted in support of the Constitution Alteration Bill for the establishment of State Police,” Agbese said.
He noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force are overstretched and struggling to cope with rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes.
According to him, communities in Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo have continued to face security threats that endanger lives, force families to flee their homes, and slow economic activities.
Agbese said supporters of State Police believe it would improve local response times, strengthen intelligence gathering, and deepen Nigeria’s federal system.
Improve local response times during emergencies.
Strengthen intelligence gathering within communities.
Deepen federalism by giving states a greater role in internal security.
However, he acknowledged concerns raised by some constituents, including fears of politicisation, funding difficulties, poor training standards, and possible abuse of power.
The lawmaker assured residents that such concerns would be addressed during subsequent legislative processes and in the implementation framework for State Police.
“These concerns have been duly noted and will be actively looked into during subsequent legislative processes,” he said.
Agbese added that his vote reflected “responsive and people-centred representation,” stressing that the voices of the Enone people were clearly heard on the floor of the House of Representatives.
He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the security, peace, and prosperity of communities in Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo.
