Senate President Godswill Akpabio has challenged his colleagues to approach the upcoming deliberations on the state police bill with objectivity, prioritizing the national interest and the well-being of the public. Speaking during a plenary session in Abuja on Wednesday, Akpabio emphasized that lawmakers must set aside personal opinions to focus on constitutional principles while considering this significant executive bill.
Highlighting the historical nature of the proposal, Akpabio noted that such a fundamental shift in national security has not been attempted since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. He urged the senators to engage in respectful and constructive discourse, leveraging their diverse experiences to produce a result that addresses the safety of all citizens. He described the task as a sacred duty, noting that the decisions made today would impact the future of policing and intergovernmental relations for generations.
The Senate President commended the Constitution Amendment Committee for their two years of work and praised members for sacrificing their break to attend the session. He confirmed that the necessary quorum for this constitutional amendment—requiring two-thirds of the Senate—had been achieved with 87 members present. Ultimately, Akpabio urged the chamber to face this challenge with courage, noting that history would evaluate the current Senate based on its ability to address critical national concerns with foresight and patriotism.
