The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services across Nigeria's 36 states. The bill, transmitted to state Houses of Assembly by the National Assembly, aims to provide a constitutional framework for State Police Services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service. This move is part of the ongoing constitutional review process.
The proposed amendment, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services and for Related Matters in the 36 States of the Federation”, was received and laid on the table during plenary. Members passed a motion for the correspondence to be called and received. The House approved the bill as a working document for further consideration.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, stated that the proposal would undergo the normal legislative process, including consideration and debate. The Assembly subjected the bill to First Reading, marking the commencement of its formal legislative consideration in the state. This process will allow members to scrutinize and debate the bill before taking a position.
The National Assembly forwarded the relevant bill, votes and proceedings of both chambers, and other documents relating to the proposed constitutional alteration. The proposed amendment seeks to address the need for a more localized policing system. This could potentially lead to more effective law enforcement and better community policing.
The establishment of State Police Services is a significant aspect of Nigeria's constitutional review process. If passed, the bill will grant states the authority to establish their own police services. This move could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's security architecture and the role of the Nigeria Police Force.
The debate on the bill is expected to be thorough and inclusive, with members of the Assembly engaging in discussions on its merits and potential challenges. The outcome of this process will determine whether Cross River State will adopt the proposed constitutional amendment. The decision will have implications for the state's policing system and its relationship with the federal government.
The consideration of the state police bill by the Cross River State House of Assembly is a crucial step towards potentially redefining policing in Nigeria. The bill's passage or rejection will contribute to the ongoing national conversation on the best approach to security and policing in the country.
Key points
- The Cross River State House of Assembly has begun debating a proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services.
- The proposed amendment aims to provide a constitutional framework for State Police Services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service.
- The bill's consideration is part of Nigeria's ongoing constitutional review process.
