Gbajabiamila, Delta Speaker Support State Police Reforms

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, have backed the ongoing constitutional amendment process, expressing support for the creation of state police and the devolution of powers as part of efforts to improve security and strengthen Nigeria’s federal system.

The two leaders spoke on Tuesday during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week held in Abuja. They also called for greater openness in governance, stronger accountability and closer cooperation between the executive, legislature and the public to improve democratic governance.

Gbajabiamila said the National Assembly Open Week should go beyond a symbolic event. According to him, it should give Nigerians a real opportunity to examine the work of lawmakers, understand how parliament functions and hold public institutions accountable.

He said citizens should have access to information on how laws are made, how public funds are allocated and how legislative oversight helps protect the country’s interests.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also urged lawmakers to involve more Nigerians in the lawmaking process. He said young people, women, persons with disabilities, civil society groups, private organisations and professional bodies should all have their views reflected in national policies.

According to him, openness builds public confidence in government, while inclusion allows different groups across the country to take part in shaping national priorities. He added that reforms help public institutions adapt to changing realities and improve service delivery.

Drawing from his experience as Speaker, Gbajabiamila said democracy works best when the executive and legislature cooperate within the limits of the Constitution.

He noted that although both arms of government have separate responsibilities, they share the common duty of improving the welfare of Nigerians. He added that cooperation does not weaken legislative independence, while healthy debates should not be seen as institutional conflict. Instead, mutual respect and commitment to constitutional principles help strengthen democracy.

He also advised members of the National Assembly to focus on the impact of their work rather than the number of activities carried out. According to him, lawmakers should measure success through laws that address real challenges, budgets that produce visible development, effective oversight and quality representation that restores public confidence.

Gbajabiamila restated the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to maintaining a good working relationship with the National Assembly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said Nigerians expect all government institutions to work together in promoting security, economic growth, social justice and national development.

Speaking on behalf of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, Guwor described insecurity as the country’s biggest challenge. He said constitutional reforms provide an opportunity to improve governance and strengthen national security.

He said addressing insecurity requires more than legislation and government policies. According to him, lasting solutions depend on active participation by citizens and stronger cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, development partners and local communities.

Guwor commended President Tinubu for pursuing reforms aimed at tackling security challenges and praised the National Assembly for advancing constitutional amendments on state policing and the devolution of powers.

He said the proposed reforms demonstrate a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure and building a more effective and responsive system of governance.

According to him, if the constitutional amendments are passed and properly implemented, they could improve the country’s security system, strengthen cooperation between different levels of government, bring governance closer to the people and promote true federalism.

He assured that the Conference of Speakers would continue to work closely with the National Assembly, the Presidency, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders to ensure the reforms serve the interests of Nigerians.

The National Assembly Open Week is held every year to promote transparency, accountability and public participation in legislative activities. The event allows citizens to interact with lawmakers and gain a better understanding of the work of parliament through discussions, public engagements and policy sessions.

This year’s programme comes as lawmakers continue deliberations on major constitutional amendment proposals, including state police, devolution of powers, electoral reforms, judicial reforms and local government autonomy, all of which are regarded as some of the biggest constitutional changes since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.