Akpabio Makes Demand From Senators Over State Police

Akpabio Makes Demand From Senators Over State Police
The Senate will consider a constitutional amendment for state policing.
Lawmakers say the reform could strengthen community-based security efforts.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to ensure full attendance at Wednesday’s plenary session as the National Assembly prepares to consider a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria.

The appeal comes amid growing support for the decentralisation of the country’s policing system, a proposal widely backed by security experts, state governors and community leaders as a possible solution to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio described the State Police Bill as a landmark piece of legislation that could significantly reshape the nation’s security framework.

He stressed the importance of broad participation in constitutional amendment processes and called on senators to view the exercise as a national duty.

“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing, and this is the first time.

“As we struggle to become senators, let us also remember the responsibilities of being a senator. It is not enough for us to look for tickets. And when we get them, we don’t come to the chambers,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President explained that the proposed amendment would create the legal foundation for state police services while including safeguards to prevent abuse.

According to him, the reform would strengthen community policing by allowing greater involvement of local governments, traditional rulers, youth groups and other grassroots stakeholders in security management.

He argued that local communities are often better positioned to identify criminal elements and provide timely intelligence that could improve responses to security threats.

As part of efforts to speed up consideration of the bill, Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report on Wednesday.

Also speaking, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasised the need for lawmakers to attend the session, noting that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of senators.

“We need a minimum of two-thirds of distinguished senators to be able to vote on constitutional alteration. That means it is important for all of us to be here,” Bamidele said.

He described the state police proposal as a national issue that goes beyond political, regional or geopolitical interests and urged senators to encourage absent colleagues to participate.

The Senate subsequently adjourned plenary until Wednesday, when lawmakers are expected to debate and vote on the proposed constitutional amendment.

The push for state police has gained momentum following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the proposal and ongoing constitutional review efforts by the National Assembly.

Akpabio Makes Demand From Senators Over State Police

For the amendment to become law, it must secure the support of at least two-thirds of members of both chambers of the National Assembly and receive approval from no fewer than 24 state Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent.