The Rivers State House of Assembly has voted in favor of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which aims to provide a constitutional framework for establishing State Police Services. All 25 members of the Assembly supported the bill during plenary, following consultations with their constituents. The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, commended members for their consultations, which informed their decision to support the bill.
The bill seeks to create a constitutional pathway for state police services, subject to the provisions of the constitution. When passed, the amendment would strengthen the National Assembly's role in prescribing national minimum policing standards. The Speaker explained that the bill contained 26 clauses, with 25 alterations involving substitutions to sections of the principal Act.
Key sections of the bill that have been altered include Sections 84(4), 89(2), and 121. The Speaker stated that the state lawmakers supported efforts by the Federal Government to prioritize the security of lives and property across the country. He emphasized that having police at the subnational level to complement the federal police is a welcomed development.
The Rivers State House of Assembly's endorsement of the bill is in line with the long-standing call by Nigerians for a policing system at the subnational level. The Speaker noted that the 10th Assembly is fully in support of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2026. This move is expected to contribute to a more efficiently secured nation.
The National Assembly's role in prescribing national minimum policing standards is expected to be strengthened with the passage of the bill. The bill's passage is also seen as a step towards addressing the security challenges facing the country. The Speaker emphasized the importance of collaboration between state assemblies to achieve a more secure nation.
The Rivers State House of Assembly's support for the bill reflects the growing demand for a state police system in Nigeria. The bill's provisions are expected to provide a framework for the establishment of state police services, which would work in conjunction with the federal police. This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing security in the country.
The implementation of the bill is expected to have a positive impact on security in Nigeria, particularly in the Rivers State. The state's lawmakers have demonstrated their commitment to prioritizing the security of lives and property in the state. The passage of the bill is a significant development in the quest for a more effective policing system in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to establish State Police Services.
- The bill seeks to create a constitutional pathway for state police services and strengthen the National Assembly's role in prescribing national minimum policing standards.
- The passage of the bill is expected to contribute to a more efficiently secured nation and address the security challenges facing the country.
