Reps begin clause-by-clause review of state police bill

Nigeria's House of Representatives has commenced a clause-by-clause review of President Bola Tinubu's executive bill proposing the establishment of state police forces. Lawmakers indicated they might adopt the Senate's passed version with minimal changes to speed up the process.

“

you may recall that on June 11, before the recess, the House considered and passed the Police Constitution Alteration Bill. However, following the introduction of an executive bill by the President, that decision was reversed by the House on July 14 to enable consideration of the executive cill coming from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stated that the House would utilize the Senate's work to expedite the passage of the bill, which he described as a crucial constitutional amendment for strengthening Nigeria's security. The House had previously passed its own version of the bill on June 11 but rescinded the decision on July 14 to consider the President's executive bill.

Kalu emphasized that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, is best positioned to initiate comprehensive security reforms. He noted that the executive bill has already passed its first and second readings, and public hearing requirements were met during the National Assembly Open Week.

“

The bill has been referred to this committee, and the committee is not just the deputy speaker and the deputy chairman. The committee is you and I. Our responsibility is to carefully scrutinise this legislation and ensure that it reflects the aspirations and expectations of the Nigerian people.

He described the state police bill as a signature initiative of President Tinubu, who has long advocated for a multi-layered policing system. Kalu highlighted the unity between the executive, legislature, and judiciary in pursuing national security priorities, despite their separation as government branches.

“

I must emphasise that the state police bill remains one of the signature constitutional reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As governor of gos State, he was among the earliest advocates of multi-layered policing as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. Today, as President, he is championing the same cause, demonstrating consistency between his convictions and his actions.