Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu Femi Gbajabiamila joined several state governors at the Senate Chamber in Abuja on Wednesday. They attended the plenary as the upper chamber began voting on the constitutional amendment bill for state police.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio rallied senators for full attendance during Tuesday’s session. He described the bill as an epoch-making constitutional exercise. President Bola Tinubu transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate earlier. The legislation seeks to establish a framework for dual policing structure across Nigeria.
Governors including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and governors of Ogun and Ondo states attended the session. Several state Attorneys-General also witnessed the proceedings. Their presence underscored the broad support for the reform aimed at addressing security challenges.
Femi Gbajabiamila earlier noted significant progress in consultations on the state police framework. He highlighted national consensus on the need for the reform. The House of Representatives already passed its version of the bill with overwhelming support. The Senate isolated the state police proposal for faster consideration.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the need for at least two-thirds of senators to support constitutional amendments. He urged lawmakers across party lines to participate actively. The bill builds on work done by previous committees and aims to tackle evolving national security issues.
The amendment allows states to create their own police services alongside the federal force. Supporters believe it will enhance grassroots intelligence and local accountability.
The Senate proceeded with voting after mourning a deceased House member. This step advanced the long-debated decentralisation of policing in Nigeria.
