Senate explains why FCT cannot operate state police: The Senate noted that the FCT is managed by a Minister who follows instructions from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Senate has justified its decision to leave the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) out of the new state police arrangement, stating that the nation’s capital lacks the necessary constitutional framework to run its own police force.
This was disclosed on Friday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu.
According to him, the FCT does not have a Governor or a State House of Assembly, adding that it is directly controlled by the Federal Government.
He added that the FCT is managed by a Minister who takes direction from the Federal Executive Council, and that the National Assembly serves as the legislative body for the territory.
Adaramodu clarified: “I have heard many people raise questions on why the Federal Capital Territory is not included in the plan for state police. The FCT issue is different. It is under the Federal Government.”
The Senator representing Ekiti South went on to argue that because the FCT lacks a Governor and a state legislature, it cannot adopt the policing model being planned for the 36 states.
“The federal capital does not have an assembly. The National Assembly is the body that makes laws for the Federal Capital Territory.
“That is why it must align with what the Federal Government does. Therefore, the federal police remain responsible,” Adaramodu said.
The explanation comes as the Federal Government progresses with its plans to introduce state policing.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the draft of the Executive National Policing Bill on September 3.
