- Senate says committee work on the State Police Bill will continue throughout the National Assembly recess.
- Lawmakers aim to complete harmonisation before resumption on September 14.
- State assemblies and governors have pledged support for the constitutional amendment.
The Senate has assured Nigerians that the ongoing harmonisation of the State Police Bill will not be affected by the National Assembly’s annual recess, saying legislative committees will continue working to ensure the constitutional amendment progresses without delay.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the assurance was given by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who said committee activities remain active even when plenary sessions are suspended.
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According to him, although lawmakers are on recess until September 14, the Constitution Review Committee will continue discussions with the House of Representatives to finalise the bill.
“Our holiday does not stop harmonisation because committees are still working. While plenary is suspended, committees continue to meet whenever necessary to carry out legislative responsibilities,” Adaramodu said.
He explained that the harmonisation process is being handled by the Senate Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, because the proposed legislation involves constitutional amendments.
The Senate spokesman expressed confidence that the harmonisation would be completed before lawmakers return from recess. He noted that the State Police Bill had been separated from other constitutional amendment proposals because of its urgency and the widespread public demand for improved security.
Adaramodu said addressing the state police proposal independently would help prevent delays that could arise if it were considered alongside several other constitutional amendment bills.
He also disclosed that consultations had already been held with the Speakers of all 36 state Houses of Assembly, whose approval is required before the constitutional amendment can take effect. According to him, the state legislatures have indicated their willingness to act quickly once the bill is transmitted to them.
The senator added that governors across the country have also shown support for the proposal, describing the feedback received from both the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and state assemblies as encouraging.
He expressed optimism that the remaining legislative process could be completed within the next two months, with the constitutional amendment reaching the required stage before the end of September.
The Senate’s reassurance comes shortly after the Presidency announced that President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the draft Executive National Policing Bill on September 3.
The Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, recently said the Executive Bill would establish the operational framework for state policing if the constitutional amendment is eventually approved.
Gbajabiamila also announced the launch of a public information portal where Nigerians can submit memoranda and recommendations to help shape the proposed legislation before it is forwarded to the National Assembly.
He clarified that the Executive National Policing Bill is separate from the constitutional amendment currently before lawmakers.
While the constitutional amendment seeks to legally establish state police, the Executive Bill is designed to provide the legal and operational framework needed to implement the new policing structure once it becomes law.
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