Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to attend Wednesday’s plenary sitting as the Senate prepares to consider a constitutional amendment that could pave the way for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
Addressing senators during an emergency session on Tuesday, June 23, Akpabio described the proposal as one of the most significant security reforms to come before the National Assembly in recent years.
He said the measure could help address growing security challenges by bringing policing closer to local communities and improving intelligence gathering at the grassroots.
“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 noted that the amendment would only provide the constitutional framework for state police, while additional laws and oversight mechanisms would be developed to regulate its operations and prevent abuse.
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According to him, a decentralised policing system would encourage stronger collaboration among local governments, traditional institutions, youth groups and community leaders in tackling crime and insecurity.
Akpabio argued that people living within communities are often more familiar with criminal activities in their areas and can provide valuable intelligence that would strengthen law enforcement efforts.
As part of efforts to speed up the legislative process, he directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report on the proposal during Wednesday’s sitting.
Also speaking, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the importance of a full chamber, noting that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of senators before they can be approved.
“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 urged lawmakers to regard the state police debate as a national issue rather than a partisan matter and encouraged them to mobilise absent colleagues to attend the session.
The Senate subsequently adjourned until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, when members are expected to debate and vote on the proposed amendment.