Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on all senators
to attend Wednesday’s plenary session as the National Assembly prepares to vote
on a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across
Nigeria.
Speaking during an emergency Senate session on Tuesday,
Akpabio described the State Police Bill as a major reform that could transform
the country’s security architecture and improve security management at the
grassroots level.
The Senate President said lawmakers should treat the
exercise as a national responsibility, stressing that constitutional amendments
require broad participation from members.
He said, “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 explained that the proposed amendment would provide
the legal foundation for state police services while ensuring safeguards
against abuse through future legislation and regulatory oversight.
According to him, the reform would strengthen community
policing by involving local governments, traditional rulers, village leaders,
youth groups and other stakeholders in tackling insecurity.
He argued that local communities are often better placed to
identify criminal elements operating in their areas, adding that decentralised
policing would improve intelligence gathering and enable quicker responses to
security threats.
To expedite consideration of the bill, Akpabio directed the
Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report on Wednesday for
immediate legislative action.
Also speaking, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasised the
need for all senators to be present, noting that constitutional amendments
require the support of at least two-thirds of members.
“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 matter
that transcends political parties and regional interests, urging senators to
encourage absent colleagues to attend the session.
The Senate later adjourned plenary until 11:00 am on
Wednesday, June 24, when lawmakers are expected to debate and vote on the bill.
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