The National Assembly is expected to forward the Constitution Alteration Bill proposing the establishment of state police to the 36 State Houses of Assembly this week, marking another major step in the constitutional amendment process.
According to Ireporter Online, the move comes after the Senate approved the bill, with lawmakers now seeking endorsement from at least 24 state legislatures before the proposed amendment can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for presidential assent.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that the bill would be sent to the states within the week, noting that state assembly speakers and governors are already expecting the document following its passage by the Senate. He explained that many governors witnessed the debate and approval of the legislation during plenary.
The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to introduce a dual policing system that would empower individual states to establish and operate their own police services, while the Nigeria Police Force would continue to oversee national security responsibilities such as terrorism, border protection, cybercrime and arms trafficking.
To address concerns over possible misuse, the bill includes provisions designed to prevent state police authorities from targeting or victimising individuals and groups for expressing criticism against governments.
The proposal has continued to attract support from several political stakeholders, including state governors and speakers of state assemblies. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the Senate’s approval as a significant milestone towards strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
The Labour Party also expressed support for the initiative, arguing that it would encourage more effective community-based policing. However, the Peoples Redemption Party opposed the proposal, raising concerns about both the timing of the amendment and the credibility of the process.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the bill, insisting that the initiative is motivated by the country’s growing security challenges rather than political interests. He explained that the proposal originated from memoranda submitted to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution and underwent extensive consultations across the federation because of its sensitive nature.
Bamidele further revealed that the consultations involved the executive arm of government, state governors, speakers of state assemblies and police authorities. He added that 84 of the 109 senators voted in favour of the bill during its clause-by-clause consideration, representing more than 77 per cent support in the Senate.
He also called on opposition parties to contribute constructive ideas to the national conversation, stressing that matters relating to security should transcend political differences.
