The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to provide a constitutional framework for establishing State Police Services. All 25 members of the Assembly voted in favour of the bill during plenary, following consultations with their constituents. This move is in line with the long-standing clamour for a policing system at the subnational level to complement the federal police.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, commended members for their consultations, which informed their decision to support the bill. He stated that the 10th Assembly is fully in support of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2026. Amaewhule also noted that the state lawmakers support efforts by the Federal Government to prioritise the security of lives and property across the country.
According to Amaewhule, having police at the subnational level helping the federal police is a welcomed development. He added that the Assembly believes that they will work together alongside other state assemblies towards a more efficiently secured nation. The Speaker explained that the bill is expected to create a constitutional pathway for state police services, subject to the provisions of the constitution.
The bill, which contains 26 clauses, involves 25 alterations, including substitutions to sections of the principal Act. Some of the provisions for alteration include Sections 84(4), 89(2), 121(3) 124(4), 109(2), 153(1), 157(2), 158(1) and 160. When passed, the amendment is expected to strengthen the National Assembly’s role in prescribing national minimum policing standards.
The Rivers State House of Assembly is not the first to endorse the proposed constitutional amendment. Osun State House of Assembly became the first state legislature to approve the establishment of state police. The National Assembly had clarified that only the State Police Services Bill had been transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration.
The clarification came amid reports that the National Assembly had forwarded the entire package of proposed constitutional alterations to the state legislatures for consideration. The National Assembly’s position was necessary to avoid confusion and ensure that state legislatures focus on the State Police Services Bill.
The endorsement of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, by the Rivers State House of Assembly is a significant step towards enhancing security in the country. The bill’s passage is expected to pave the way for the establishment of state police services, which will work in conjunction with the federal police to ensure a safer Nigeria.
Key points
- The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to establish State Police Services.
- All 25 members of the Assembly voted in favour of the bill, following consultations with their constituents.
- The bill’s passage is expected to strengthen the National Assembly’s role in prescribing national minimum policing standards.
