Lagos Assembly Backs State Police, Advances Bill to Ban Street Begging

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Lagos Assembly Backs State Police, Advances Bill to Ban Street Begging

By DD Media Insight

 The Lagos State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its support for the establishment of State Police as part of ongoing constitutional reforms, while also advancing a bill seeking to prohibit street begging and hawking across Lagos State.

The resolutions were reached during Wednesday's plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt.Hon.Mudasiru Obasa 

The motion on State Police was moved  by Hon.Ogundipe Olukayode Stephen and seconded by Hon. Aro Moshood, called on State Houses of Assembly nationwide to support the constitutional amendment process and prepare for the implementation of State Police.

Speaker Obasa and other state lawmakers commended president Bola Ahmed Tinubu the National Assembly and other stakeholders for advancing the constitutional amendment. He described State Police as a practical response to Nigeria's growing security challenges, including kidnapping and banditry, while stressing that states should enjoy operational autonomy, with federal intervention limited to constitutionally defined national security situations.

The Speaker also endorsed proposals allowing governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by State Assemblies, and recommended legislative screening for senior security appointments, including Area and Zonal Commanders. Dismissing fears of possible abuse, Obasa argued that similar concerns have existed over the federally controlled police system, urging Nigerians to support reforms aimed at improving security.

Lawmakers maintained that Lagos has consistently championed State Police as a means of strengthening community policing and appealed to other State Assemblies to expedite consideration of the constitutional amendment.

The House also gave a second reading to a bill seeking to prohibit street begging and hawking across Lagos State.

During the debate, the Hon.Desmond Elliot advocated a humane approach by prioritising the rescue, rehabilitation and welfare of vulnerable children found on the streets. Hon. Aro Moshood urged careful scrutiny of the bill to prevent abuse during enforcement, while Hon.Bonu Solomon recommended sanctions against indiscriminate public giving alongside measures to apprehend and rehabilitate adult beggars.

Also contributing, Hon.Noheem Adams described the bill as timely, calling for the establishment of rehabilitation centres where beggars can acquire vocational skills and receive social support.

In his closing remarks, Speaker Obasa acknowledged that charity remains a noble act but warned that increasing street begging has become a security and public order concern. He advocated structured channels for charitable donations and the rehabilitation and reintegration of beggars into society, while urging that the proposed legislation be harmonised with existing laws for effective implementation.

The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development for further legislative work, with a directive to submit its report within two weeks.

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