The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across the country, marking a major step towards restructuring Nigeria's security architecture.
The bill was approved after the Senate considered the report of its Committee on the Review of the Constitution, presented by the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin
Following clause-by-clause consideration at the Committee of the Whole, the legislation secured the constitutionally required two-thirds majority support of senators through a manual voting process.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently announced the passage of the bill, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele led deliberations on the proposed legislation before lawmakers voted on its various provisions.
The bill seeks to establish a State Police Service that will operate alongside the existing Federal Police Service, creating a dual policing system aimed at enhancing security and improving response to local security challenges.
Under the proposed law, the Federal Police Service will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, while each State Police Service will be led by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
The legislation further empowers state governors to issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to State Police Commissioners on matters relating to public safety and public order.
To prevent abuse of power, the bill contains safeguards restricting the use of state police for political purposes. Specifically, State Police Commissioners are prohibited from arresting, detaining, investigating or deploying force against any individual, political party or group solely for criticising the government, except where such actions are carried out in accordance with the law and due process.
The passage of the bill represents one of the most significant constitutional reforms in Nigeria's security sector in recent years and is expected to generate further national debate as it progresses through the remaining constitutional processes required for implementation.
0 Comments