The Edo State House of Assembly has unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services in Nigeria. The bill was transmitted to the House by the Clerk of the National Assembly for consideration and concurrence by the state legislature. This development occurred during a proceeding in Benin City, following a communication to the Speaker. The bill's passage marks a significant step towards enhancing security at the community level in Edo State.
Leading the debate on the bill, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Osezua Sunday Ojezelle, emphasized the importance of the proposed legislation and urged members to support its passage. He highlighted the potential benefits of the bill, including improved security and employment opportunities for residents. Other members, including Hon. Donald Okogbe and Hon. Charity Aiguobaehian, also contributed to the debate, expressing their support for the bill.
Hon. Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II, described the proposal as a courageous step, noting that the establishment of State Police could create employment opportunities for residents. Hon. Charity Aiguobaehian, representing Ovia North-East Constituency I, said the establishment of State Police would enhance security at the community level. She therefore urged her colleagues to support the passage of the bill.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Richard Edosa and Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, also advocated for the bill's passage. Hon. Richard Edosa, representing Oredo Constituency I, called for the establishment of an Edo State Police Commission as part of the proposed policing framework. Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, representing Etsako East Constituency, urged the House to support the proposed constitutional amendment.
After an exhaustive debate, Hon. Osezua Sunday Ojezelle moved a motion for the passage of the bill, which was seconded by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Natasha Osawaru. The motion was subsequently carried, with the House approving the bill. The Speaker of the House, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, directed the Clerk to prepare and transmit clean copies of the bill to the National Assembly.
The proposed State Police constitutional amendment is part of a wider national process requiring concurrence by state Houses of Assembly before the constitutional alteration can take effect. Current reports indicate that the National Assembly transmitted the State Police proposal to the 36 state legislatures for consideration. This development is expected to contribute to restoring peace and security in communities across Edo State.
In another development, the Edo State House of Assembly confirmed the nomination of Ogbeide Jolly Obosa as a member of the Edo State Oil and Gas Commission. The House subsequently adjourned its sitting to Monday, September 28, 2026. The passage of the State Police bill is a significant achievement for the Edo State House of Assembly, and it is expected to have a positive impact on security in the state.
Key points
- The Edo State House of Assembly has unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services in Nigeria.
- The bill's passage marks a significant step towards enhancing security at the community level in Edo State.
- The proposed State Police constitutional amendment requires concurrence by state Houses of Assembly before the constitutional alteration can take effect.
