The Senate is set to take a major step toward the creation of state police this week as lawmakers prepare to consider amendments to the 1999 Constitution that would allow states to establish their own police forces.
Naijaonpoint reports that Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed that the proposed amendment is expected to be considered during the legislative week beginning Tuesday.
He said the National Assembly intends to handle the state police provision separately from other constitutional amendment issues because of the urgency attached to the matter.
According to him, there is broad support for the proposal across the country, with key political leaders and stakeholders agreeing that the time has come for Nigeria to adopt state policing as part of efforts to tackle growing security challenges.
Bamidele revealed that discussions on the bill had reached an advanced stage after a series of consultations involving the National Assembly leadership, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and other stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that the bill would receive approval in the Senate this week, ending months of debate over the issue.
He added that lawmakers were determined to prevent further delays because of the growing demand for reforms in the country’s security architecture.
The Senate Leader also stated that President Bola Tinubu and state governors have shown support for the proposal. He said once the National Assembly passes the amendment, it will be forwarded to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for ratification.
For the amendment to become law, at least two-thirds of the state assemblies must approve it before it is sent to President Tinubu for assent. Only after completing that process can state police become a constitutional reality.
