BREAKING: STATE POLICE BILL GAINS MASSIVE SUPPORT AS 36 STATE ASSEMBLIES PREPARE FINAL APPROVAL PROCESS

STATE POLICE BILL GAINS MASSIVE SUPPORT AS 36 STATE ASSEMBLIES PREPARE FINAL APPROVAL PROCESS

Momentum is building nationwide for Nigeria’s proposed State Police Bill as Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, governors, the Labour Party, and the Forum of APC Speakers have thrown their support behind the constitutional amendment recently passed by the Senate.

The growing endorsements have significantly increased expectations that the bill may secure the required legislative approvals needed to become law, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture.

The Senate on Wednesday approved the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police formations across the federation, a move aimed at decentralizing law enforcement and addressing worsening insecurity across the country.

For the legislation to become law, it must now receive approval from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for final assent.

Supporters of the bill argue that decentralised policing has become necessary due to increasing incidents of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed attacks, and communal violence affecting several parts of the country.

Among early supporters is Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who described the Senate’s approval as a major breakthrough capable of strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.

According to the governor, state police formations would improve intelligence gathering and allow security agencies to respond more quickly because local authorities better understand their environment, culture, and security dynamics.

Several state legislatures have also begun consultations ahead of formal voting.

In Kano State, lawmakers immediately commenced stakeholder discussions with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to review the implications of the constitutional amendment.

The Gombe State House of Assembly indicated positive early assessment of the bill, stating lawmakers would conduct detailed scrutiny, public hearings, and stakeholder consultations before final ratification.

Similarly, lawmakers in Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and Ondo States have signaled readiness to support the reform once the bill is officially transmitted for legislative action.

The Forum of Progressive Speakers of State Legislatures, representing APC-controlled assemblies, also endorsed the bill, describing it as a historic development that will improve community-focused policing nationwide.

The Labour Party equally backed the proposal, urging governors and lawmakers across the federation to rise above partisan interests and support what it described as a critical constitutional reform for public safety.

According to the party, Nigeria’s current centralized policing structure has struggled to adequately address the country’s complex and evolving security challenges.

However, not all political stakeholders support the proposal.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has openly opposed the bill, raising concerns over the possibility of abuse by state governments and questioning the credibility of the current administration to oversee such a major restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system.

Despite concerns over potential political misuse by governors, supporters argue that safeguards built into the bill will help prevent abuse of power.

Under the proposed law, state police authorities would be prohibited from targeting individuals or groups solely for criticizing government officials.

The bill also gives the federal government powers to intervene where state police operations threaten national security, violate human rights, or lead to breakdown of public order.

One of the most significant reforms included in the bill is the expansion of the National Police Council, which would now include representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), retired senior police officers, and all state Attorneys-General.

The council would oversee coordination between federal and state police institutions while ensuring accountability and compliance with constitutional provisions.

Security experts say the reform could represent one of Nigeria’s biggest policing changes in decades if successfully implemented.

As state assemblies begin formal consideration of the bill, attention now shifts to whether enough legislatures will support the amendment and move the country closer to adopting a dual policing structure for the first time in its democratic history.