The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, paving the way for the establishment of a State Police Service. This development occurred during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, on Thursday. The bill's passage marks a significant step towards bolstering security in Kano State.
According to the Speaker, the House considered and adopted Clauses 1 to 26 of the Constitution Alteration Bill at the Committee of the Whole before its final passage. This action was taken in line with the powers conferred on State Houses of Assembly under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers them to make inputs into constitutional amendments. The bill aims to provide a legal framework for establishing a State Police Service.
The proposed State Police Service is expected to complement the Nigeria Police Force in tackling security challenges and related matters in Kano State. The bill's sponsor and details of the proposed law were not disclosed, but the Assembly's move is seen as a response to the growing security needs in the state. The Kano State House of Assembly has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the security concerns of its constituents.
Confirming the development, Chief Press Secretary to the House, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, stated that the Assembly would transmit the resolution to the National Assembly for further legislative action. This step is crucial, as the National Assembly's concurrence is necessary for the bill to become law. The Kano State House of Assembly's decision has sparked interest in the state's bid to enhance its security architecture.
The Kano State House of Assembly currently has 39 members, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) holding 27 seats and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holding 12 seats. The Assembly's composition may influence the bill's prospects at the National Assembly. The passage of the bill reflects the Assembly's efforts to address pressing issues affecting the state.
The establishment of a State Police Service in Kano State may have far-reaching implications for the state's security and law enforcement landscape. If the bill is passed into law, it could serve as a model for other states in Nigeria. The move is also seen as a response to the growing calls for state police and greater decentralization of security responsibilities.
The Kano State House of Assembly's decision to pass the bill to establish a State Police Service demonstrates its commitment to finding innovative solutions to the state's security challenges. The bill's transmission to the National Assembly for further action will be a crucial step in determining its fate.
Key points
- The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution, paving the way for the establishment of a State Police Service.
