Akpabio rallies Senators for vote on state police bill

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on lawmakers to ensure full attendance at an upcoming plenary session for a potentially landmark constitutional vote on establishing state police services across Nigeria. This move represents a significant push towards decentralizing the nation's policing system, a reform long advocated by security experts, governors, and community leaders to combat widespread insecurity.

“

Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing, and this is the first time.

Akpabio described the proposed State Police Bill as a pivotal piece of legislation capable of fundamentally reshaping Nigeria's security architecture and enhancing grassroots security management. He emphasized that constitutional amendments require extensive participation from lawmakers, urging them to view the exercise as a profound national responsibility rather than a routine legislative duty. "Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing, and this is the first time," he stated.

The amendment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), seeks to create the legal framework for state police while incorporating safeguards against potential abuses through subsequent legislation and regulatory oversight. The reform is intended to deepen community-based policing by integrating local governments, traditional institutions, village leaders, and youth groups into the security framework. Akpabio argued that local communities are often best positioned to identify suspicious individuals and criminal elements, thereby improving intelligence gathering and enabling more proactive responses to security threats.

“

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.

To expedite the process, Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report by Wednesday, June 24, allowing for immediate legislative action. Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele also highlighted the importance of lawmaker attendance, reminding senators that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of the chamber's members for approval.

“

We need a minimum of two-thirds of distinguished senators to be able to vote on constitutional alteratio