President Bola Tinubu has officially sent a constitution alteration bill to the Senate, aiming to introduce state police services as a key pillar of national security reform. This legislation intends to establish a dual policing framework, permitting states to operate their own police forces alongside federal authorities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s correspondence on Tuesday. The proposed changes to the 1999 Constitution seek to improve public safety by enabling local governments and municipalities to play a more active role in policing. According to President Tinubu, this initiative incorporates essential safeguards to ensure the transition is both swift and effective. He urged the Senate to prioritize the bill, which aligns with his administration’s broader security strategy.
Senator Akpabio emphasized that this legislation represents a landmark move toward grassroots intelligence gathering, noting that local residents are better equipped to identify security threats in their areas. The implementation process will proceed in two phases involving constitutional amendments and subsequent parliamentary acts. States have reportedly indicated a readiness to review the proposal immediately.
The Senate has directed the Committee on Constitutional Review, led by Senator Barau Jibrin, to prepare for a vote on Wednesday. Senate leadership has stressed the necessity of a high turnout, as a two-thirds majority is mandatory for passing constitutional changes. Both Senator Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele appealed to all members to attend the session, highlighting that the public will be monitoring the participation of their elected representatives in this critical national duty. The Senate session was briefly adjourned after members observed a minute of silence to honor the late House of Representatives member, Yaya Tongo.
