Akpabio Makes Demand From Senators Over State Police

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to lawmakers to ensure full attendance at Wednesday’s plenary session as the National Assembly prepares to consider the proposed constitutional amendment for the establishment of state police services across the federation.

NEWSNGR reports that the appeal came amid renewed momentum for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system, a reform many security experts, governors and community leaders have advocated as a solution to persistent security challenges.

Speaking during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio described the State Police Bill as a landmark legislation capable of transforming the country’s security architecture.

He stressed that constitutional amendments require broad participation and urged senators to treat the exercise as a national responsibility.

“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 said the proposed amendment would provide the legal framework for state police services while incorporating safeguards against potential abuse.

According to him, the reform would deepen community-based policing by involving local governments, traditional institutions, youth groups and other grassroots stakeholders in security management.

He argued that local communities were often better positioned to identify suspicious persons and criminal elements within their environments, thereby improving intelligence gathering and response to security threats.

Committee Directed To Submit Report

As part of efforts to accelerate consideration of the bill, Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report by Wednesday to facilitate immediate legislative action.

Bamidele seeks full attendance

Also speaking, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele underscored the importance of lawmakers’ attendance, 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 transcends political, regional and geopolitical interests and urged senators to encourage absent colleagues to participate in the exercise.

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

The push for state police has gained traction 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 support of at least two-thirds of members of both chambers of the National Assembly and be approved by no fewer than 24 state Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent.