CITIZENS COMPASS— The Senate on Wednesday, passed the Bill seeking to establish State Police.
This is a constitution alteration bill to allow the creation of state police across Nigeria.
The decision was reached during the plenary session, which was presided over by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Lawmakers examined the proposed amendments one section at a time before giving their approval.
During the consideration of the bill, senators were unable to use the electronic voting system because of technical problems with the device. As a result, the chamber switched to manual voting.
Under the alternative arrangement, each senator was required to rise, identify himself or herself, and publicly declare a position on the proposed legislation. The method was adopted to ensure that no lawmaker was excluded from participating in the voting process.
The bill is part of ongoing efforts to change the 1999 Constitution and provide legal backing for state governments to establish and operate their own police services.
The proposal was earlier forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu as part of broader plans to improve security and strengthen law enforcement across the country.
Supporters of the initiative believe it will give state governments a greater role in protecting lives and property within their territories and help address security challenges more effectively.
Despite its approval by the Senate, the amendment has not yet become law. For the proposal to take full effect, it must still receive the support of at least two-thirds of the country’s State Houses of Assembly.
This means that no fewer than 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state legislatures must approve the amendment before it can be fully implemented.
