Pressure Mounts As Akpabio Seeks Senate Consensus On State Police

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to ensure full attendance at Wednesday’s plenary session as the National Assembly prepares to deliberate on the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The appeal comes amid growing support for the decentralisation of the country’s policing system, a reform widely advocated by security experts, state governors and community leaders as a means of addressing persistent security challenges.

Speaking during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio described the State Police Bill as a historic piece of legislation with the potential to significantly reshape Nigeria’s security framework.

He emphasized that constitutional amendments require broad participation and called on senators to view the exercise as a critical national duty.

“Since 1960, Nigeria has not taken the bold step of decentralising policing, and this presents a unique opportunity. As senators, we must not only seek elective office but also fulfil the responsibilities that come with it. It is not enough to secure a seat and then fail to attend legislative sessions,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President noted that the proposed amendment seeks to provide a legal framework for the creation of state police while incorporating safeguards to prevent abuse of power.

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

He argued that local communities are often better positioned to identify criminal elements and suspicious activities within their areas, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and improving responses to security threats.

Committee Ordered to Submit Report

To fast-track consideration of the bill, Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report by Wednesday, paving the way for immediate legislative action.

Bamidele Calls for Full Participation

Also speaking during the session, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the importance of lawmakers’ attendance, noting that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of serving senators.

“We need a minimum of two-thirds of distinguished senators to vote on constitutional amendments. That is why it is essential for all members to be present,” Bamidele said.

He described the state police proposal as a matter of national importance that transcends political affiliations, regional interests and geopolitical considerations. He also urged senators to encourage absent colleagues to attend the crucial session.

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

Support for state police has continued to gain momentum following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the proposal and ongoing constitutional review efforts by the National Assembly.

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