SENATE DEFENDS STATE POLICE BILL

The Senate has defended the proposed State Police Bill, saying it contains constitutional safeguards that will prevent governors from abusing the proposed policing system while allowing the federal police to intervene in cases involving electoral intimidation, serious human rights violations and threats to national security.

The upper chamber also disclosed that 84 of the 109 senators voted in favour of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, describing the outcome as evidence of broad bipartisan support.

In a statement issued yesterday by his media office, Senate Leader, OPEYEMI BAMIDELEsaid the proposed constitutional amendment clearly defines the responsibilities of both the federal and state police to reduce operational conflicts and enhance security coordination.

He said although governors would nominate commissioners of police, such appointments would only take effect following recommendations from the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the relevant State House of Assembly.

BAMIDELE  further dismissed claims that the proposed legislation was politically motivated, insisting it was the product of extensive consultations involving the Executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.