Abuja: A total of 311 members of the House of Representatives voted for the passage of the State Police Establishment Bill during a plenary session on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Speaker Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, who presided over the committee of the whole, announced that 276 lawmakers voted physically, while 35 participated virtually, achieving the required two-thirds majority. Tajudeen emphasized that the Bill serves as a solution to Nigeria’s security issues, aiming to enhance public safety and deepen federalism.
Earlier, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Amendment Committee, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, expressed confidence in the Bill, stating it would bolster community policing. He stressed the lawmakers’ duty to establish a solid constitutional foundation for effective governance. However, Minority Leader Rep. Fred Agbedi criticized the rapid passage process, alleging it violated Section 9, sub-section 2 of the Nigerian Constitution. Agbedi argued that the process should have been more thorough, respecting democratic principles.
Rep. Afam Ogene, Chairman of the Minority Caucus, echoed Agbedi’s concerns, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional requirements, including two-thirds participation of members. He described the hasty passage as a disregard for established rules.
The State Police Bill marks a significant constitutional amendment, decentralizing policing by moving it from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative list. It establishes a dual policing structure, allowing state governments to create and manage their own police forces alongside the central Nigeria Police Force. The Bill outlines leadership and appointment structures, empowering governors to appoint state police commissioners, subject to approval by the State House of Assembly and the National Police Council. It mandates the creation of a State Police Service Commission in each state for recruitment and discipline.
Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria necessitates a two-thirds majority vote in both National Assembly houses and approval from at least two-thirds of all State Houses of Assembly for constitutional amendments.