Senate to Approve State Police Plan This Week

The Senate Committee on Constitution Review will present its final report on the creation of state police to the Senate for approval this week. This is part of the National Assembly’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele shared this news during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

Bamidele, who is also the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said once the National Assembly approves the proposal, it will go to the 36 State Houses of Assembly. They need to ratify it by at least two-thirds, as the Constitution requires. After that, it will go to President Bola Tinubu for his approval.

“We decided to pass the constitutional amendment for state police. I can tell you today that this will happen this week because we cannot afford any more delays,” he said.

The Senate leader mentioned that federal lawmakers have met several times recently with President Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and other stakeholders about the state policing framework.

“There have been many meetings between the National Assembly and the Attorney-General’s office, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Inspector General of Police. That is why I can confidently say we are pushing for this to happen this week,” he said.

Bamidele did not say exactly when the proposal would be discussed and approved. However, the Senate usually holds plenary sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Over the years, state governments and civil society groups have called for local policing as armed robbery, communal clashes, and other security issues have risen.

A National Conference during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s time recommended creating state police to help reduce insecurity.

The rise of banditry, kidnapping, and other terrorist activities has made governors and political leaders push harder for state police.

In places without formal state police, some areas have set up informal security groups like Amotekun in the South West, Ebube Agu in the South East, and Hisbah in the North West.

Despite the security issues, the idea of state police is still a hot topic among politicians. Some worry that state police could be misused by governors to intimidate political rivals, silence dissent, and limit press freedom. Others believe that state policing is the best way to improve security.

Recently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the proposed state police plan would create a National State Police Commission. This commission would oversee state police operations, including recruitment, training, promotion, discipline, and conduct.

Bamidele said discussions about state police will be a major focus in the National Assembly this week. He noted the urgency of the proposal and the need to send it to state legislatures quickly.

He also mentioned that President Tinubu supports the state police framework.

“It’s going to be the main topic we will discuss this week. We have decided to separate it from other bills so we can vote on it quickly. Then it can go to the 36 State Houses of Assembly. Remember, we need two-thirds of the state assemblies to approve it before the president can sign it.

“The president is on board, and I’m sure he is eager for the bill to reach him for approval. Most of our governors are also in favor of this bill, and their state assemblies are ready for it. We will make this happen within the week.