Tinubu sends state police amendment bill to Senate

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….Akpabio Says States Ready to Act Promptly on Proposal

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…As Senate is set to pass the bill tomorrow, mourns late House of Reps member, Tongo

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By Henry Umoru

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ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police across the federation.

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The proposed legislation, which seeks to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, is aimed at creating the legal framework for state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

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The letter conveying the bill was read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who announced the receipt of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026.

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Speaking on the development, Akpabio described the proposal as a landmark initiative capable of enhancing security and promoting greater community participation in law enforcement.

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He noted that residents are often best positioned to identify suspicious activities and criminal elements within their communities, adding that state police would improve grassroots intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration between local communities and security agencies.

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According to the Senate President, state governments have indicated their readiness to act promptly on the legislation once the constitutional amendment process is completed.

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Akpabio commended lawmakers for returning from their annual recess to consider the bill and other constitutional amendment proposals, noting that copies of the committee’s report had already been distributed to senators for study.

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He also praised members of the Constitution Review Committee for their work, describing the proposal as the outcome of nearly two years of consultations and deliberations.

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“This is an epoch-making legislation that can significantly address insecurity and encourage broader participation of communities in maintaining public safety,” he said.

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The Senate President subsequently directed the committee to resubmit its report on Wednesday for further legislative action, stressing the upper chamber’s commitment to expediting consideration of the bill before proceeding on its annual recess.

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Meanwhile, the Senate postponed further deliberation on the state police bill until Wednesday following the announcement of the death of Yaya Tongo, who represented the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.

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Akpabio expressed condolences to the late lawmaker’s family, constituents and associates, praying for strength and comfort during the period of mourning.

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Following the announcement, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased lawmaker.

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