Reps set for crucial vote on State Police bill Thursday

The House of Representatives has scheduled a decisive vote on a constitutional amendment seeking to establish state and local government police formations across Nigeria, as lawmakers intensify efforts to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.

Speaking to journalists after Wednesday’s plenary session, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, disclosed that the proposal has been elevated above other pending constitutional amendment bills due to its national significance.

Kalu explained that the House leadership considers the state police initiative a critical component of ongoing efforts to strengthen security architecture and improve policing at the grassroots level.

To ensure broad participation in the voting process, the House has directed members currently engaged in oversight assignments outside Abuja to suspend their activities and return to the National Assembly ahead of Thursday’s session.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker alongside 14 lawmakers, seeks to amend the Constitution to permit the creation of state-controlled police forces and local policing structures.

The bill is expected to undergo voting during Thursday’s proceedings, with lawmakers determining whether it advances as part of the ongoing constitutional review process. :::