During Wednesday’s session in Abuja, the Nigerian Senate moved to a manual voting method after its electronic system failed to operate. Lawmakers spent over 30 minutes attempting to fix the technology before deciding to use a hand-raising process instead.
This shift occurred during the deliberation of a bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to allow for state-level police forces. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele proposed the motion to proceed manually, which was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio characterized the legislation as a vital national priority. He encouraged members to prioritize patriotism and the collective security of the country throughout the debate. Akpabio emphasized that the establishment of state police is essential for enhancing Nigeria’s security framework and addressing the public’s expectations for safety.
He further commended the Constitution Review Committee for their dedication and thanked senators for returning early from their recess to participate in these proceedings. The session attracted notable observers, including the governors of Ondo, Kaduna, and Ogun states, alongside the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and various state Attorneys-General.
