The Zamfara State House of Assembly has passed a resolution in support of the proposed constitutional alteration for the establishment of state police in Nigeria. This move is expected to complement the efforts of the federal and state governments in addressing insecurity in Zamfara and other parts of the country. The resolution was considered during the Assembly's sitting on Monday.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isma'ila Zannan Moriki, disclosed this while addressing journalists at a press conference. He stated that the resolution followed the transmission of proposed constitutional alterations from the National Assembly to state legislatures for consideration. According to Moriki, the establishment of state police would provide additional support in addressing security challenges confronting the state.
The development comes amid persistent security challenges in parts of Zamfara, where communities have continued to face attacks and abductions by armed groups. The Speaker emphasized that the establishment of state police would complement the efforts of President and Governor Dauda Lawal in addressing insecurity-related issues in the state and Nigeria.
Moriki also addressed the recent defection of some lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that their political decision was separate from disciplinary proceedings instituted against them. The affected lawmakers had been suspended since February 26, 2024, over allegations including gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House, and violation of the Assembly's Standing Orders.
The Speaker further clarified that the House had extended the suspension of the lawmakers on May 13, 2026, because the disciplinary matters remained unresolved. He urged the public to distinguish between the lawmakers' political decisions and the disciplinary actions taken against them, stressing that their defection did not invalidate pending legislative or legal proceedings.
The Assembly's resolution on state police is part of a wider constitutional amendment process currently being considered by state legislatures. This process follows proposals transmitted from the National Assembly. The Speaker emphasized that the Assembly remained committed to carrying out its constitutional responsibilities and had continued to hold plenary and consider matters before it.
The Speaker also reiterated the Assembly's commitment to the rule of law, legislative integrity, and the protection of public institutions. The resolution on state police aims to provide additional support in addressing security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria.
Key points
- The Zamfara State House of Assembly has passed a resolution supporting the proposed constitutional alteration for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
- The establishment of state police aims to complement ongoing efforts by the federal and state governments to tackle insecurity in Zamfara and other parts of the country.
- The Assembly's resolution is part of a wider constitutional amendment process currently being considered by state legislatures following proposals transmitted from the National Assembly.
