Govs get powers to appoint state police chiefs

The Senate on Wednesday passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s long-running efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen internal security.

The legislation was approved after a clause-by-clause consideration and a manual voting process in which more than two-thirds of senators voted in support of the proposal.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage of the bill following overwhelming support from lawmakers during plenary.

The Senate adopted the report of the Committee on the Review of the Constitution, presented by Deputy Senate President and committee chairman, Barau Jibrin, before proceeding to a final vote.

Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposal as a critical reform aimed at improving security and enhancing responses to local threats across the country.

The bill proposes the creation of state police services that will operate alongside the existing federal police structure, ending the Federal Government’s exclusive control over policing.

One of the key provisions empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by the respective state Houses of Assembly.

Under the proposed framework, while the Nigeria Police Force will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each state police service will be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state legislature.

The legislation also grants governors the authority to issue lawful policy directives to state police commissioners on matters relating to public safety and order within their states.

To address concerns over possible abuse of state police by political office holders, lawmakers included safeguards aimed at protecting civil liberties and political freedoms.

The bill prohibits state police authorities from arresting, detaining, investigating or deploying force against any individual, political party or group solely for criticising a government, except where such actions are backed by law and due process.

The passage followed the Senate’s decision to abandon an electronic voting system in favour of a manual process after concerns emerged over technical issues affecting some voting devices.

Akpabio supported the switch to open voting, arguing that it would ensure transparency and allow Nigerians to see how their representatives voted on key constitutional reforms.

Among those who witnessed the proceedings were Uba Sani, Dapo Abiodun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Femi Gbajabiamila.

The passage of the State Police Bill is widely regarded as one of the most significant constitutional reforms undertaken by the 10th National Assembly.

The proposal will now proceed through the remaining constitutional processes, including consideration and approval by state Houses of Assembly, before it can become law.

Supporters argue that state police will help address rising cases of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges, while critics maintain concerns about potential political misuse by state governments.