Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed all senators to ensure their attendance at Wednesday’s plenary session. The National Assembly is scheduled to vote on a constitutional amendment aimed at creating state police forces throughout Nigeria.
During Tuesday’s emergency meeting, Akpabio characterized the bill as a vital reform designed to overhaul the nation’s security framework and enhance grassroots safety. He reminded lawmakers that amending the constitution is a national duty that demands significant participation, noting that Nigeria has not historically pursued this level of police decentralization since 1960. He urged members to prioritize their legislative duties over political campaigning.
The proposal intends to establish a legal basis for state police services, incorporating safeguards to prevent potential misuse. By involving traditional leaders, local governments, and community groups, Akpabio believes the reform will bolster intelligence gathering and allow for faster reactions to security issues. To keep the process moving, he instructed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to present its report for debate on Wednesday.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele echoed the call for full attendance, reminding the chamber that any constitutional change requires support from at least two-thirds of the members. He stressed that this issue goes beyond political or regional affiliations. The Senate has subsequently set the debate and vote for 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 24.
