State Police on the Horizon: Senate Prepares for Pivotal Debate
The Nigerian Senate is set to deliberate on constitutional amendments for establishing State Police, a move supported by President Tinubu and state governors. The proposal, aiming for decentralised policing, will require approval from at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly before presidential assent, with fast-tracking measures under consideration.The Nigerian Senate has scheduled crucial deliberations this week concerning constitutional amendments aimed at establishing State Police across the nation. This significant proposal is slated for transmission to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for their consideration and approval. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, announced this development in a statement, highlighting the widespread consensus among stakeholders for decentralised policing.
Senator Bamidele underscored that key figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and various security stakeholders, have explicitly voiced their support for this initiative. Due to the urgent nature of the matter, the National Assembly is contemplating isolating the State Police provision from other proposed amendments to accelerate its passage. Bamidele reiterated that the Senate stands in solidarity with Nigerians, asserting that there is no better time than now to implement State Police.
The Senate Leader further explained that the proposed amendment would be given top priority during the legislative week commencing on Tuesday, describing it as one of the most critical items on the Senate's agenda. He confirmed that extensive consultations have been conducted between the Senate and House Committees on Constitution Review, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Inspector-General of Police, and other relevant parties. For the bill to pass, it must secure endorsement from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be presented for presidential assent.