By Divine Sam
The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across the country, marking a major step toward decentralising law enforcement and addressing growing security challenges.
The bill was approved on Wednesday following a clause-by-clause consideration and a manual voting exercise in which more than two-thirds of senators voted in favour of the proposal.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the bill after the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
If eventually enacted, the legislation will introduce a state policing structure that will operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force, effectively ending the Federal Government’s exclusive control of policing in the country.
Under the proposed framework, each state police service will be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State House of Assembly. The federal police structure will, however, remain under the command of the Inspector-General of Police.
The bill also grants governors the authority to issue lawful directives relating to public safety, security, and the maintenance of public order within their respective states.
To guard against potential abuse of power, the amendment contains provisions preventing state police authorities from arresting, detaining, investigating, or harassing individuals, groups, or political parties solely on the basis of criticism of the government, except where such actions are permitted by law.
The passage of the bill is being regarded as one of the most far-reaching constitutional reforms undertaken by the 10th National Assembly. However, the proposal is yet to become law as it must still receive approval from the State Houses of Assembly and fulfill other constitutional requirements before receiving presidential assent.
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