.. Akpabio rallies lawmakers
By James Adamu
The National Assembly is set to vote today on a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police services across Nigeria, a move that could fundamentally reshape the country’s security architecture after decades of centralised policing .
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to senators to ensure full attendance at Wednesday’s plenary session, describing the State Police Bill as a landmark reform capable of strengthening grassroots security management .
“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing, and this is the first time,” Akpabio said during an emergency session on Tuesday. “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” .
The vote follows President Bola Tinubu’s formal transmission of the Constitution Alteration Bill to the National Assembly, which Tinubu described as “critical to reorganising Nigeria’s security architecture” .
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed that constitutional amendments require a minimum of two-thirds of members to be present for voting. “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, he said.
The proposed legislation would create a legal framework for state police services alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force, with safeguards against potential abuse through subsequent legislation and regulatory oversight .
Akpabio noted that decentralised policing would deepen community-based security by bringing local governments, traditional institutions, village leaders and youth groups into security management, arguing that local communities are often better positioned to identify suspicious movements within their environments .
The Senate President directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report by today to enable immediate legislative action .
Constitutional Hurdles
For the amendment to become law, it must secure the support of at least two-thirds of members of both the Senate and House of Representatives. It must also be ratified by no fewer than 24 state Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent .
The proposal, first read in the Senate on June 15, 2026, represents the strongest federal backing yet for state policingβa reform that has repeatedly failed to secure the constitutional support required for implementation .
Proceedings on Tuesday were overshadowed by the death of Hon. Yaya Tongo, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State. The Senate suspended legislative business as lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in his honour .
“With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, Mallam Yaya Tongo,” Akpabio said. “However, in line with our tradition, we will observe one minute’s silence and then recess from the hall to come back for our constitutional duty tomorrow”.
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