Quick Summary:
House of Representatives passes the State Police Bill with overwhelming support, marking a significant step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing structure amid growing insecurity.
The House of Representatives has approved the State Police Bill, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to decentralise its policing system.
The bill received overwhelming support during Thursday’s plenary, with 289 lawmakers voting in favour. The session was presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The House dedicated the sitting to deliberating on the proposed legislation amid rising insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and bandit attacks across the country.
Brief Controversy During Proceedings
Proceedings witnessed a brief controversy when Bashir Zubairu, a lawmaker from Kaduna State, raised a point of order, arguing that members had only received the House Committee on Constitution Review report earlier in the day and had insufficient time to study it.
Despite his objection, Speaker Abbas ruled him out of order and directed that the process continue.
As the Speaker proceeded to take lawmakers through the bill’s provisions, some members were heard shouting “Point of Order,” but Abbas declined to entertain further interruptions.
Voting And Outcome
Before voting commenced, Speaker Abbas informed members that the electronic voting system was not functioning, explaining that the vote would instead be determined based on attendance records.
Out of 290 lawmakers present, 289 voted in favour of the establishment of state police, while one member voted against the proposal.
The Speaker did not participate in the vote.
The approval of the bill by the House marks a significant step toward constitutional amendment, paving the way for state-controlled police forces aimed at improving security and local law enforcement.
The bill will now proceed to the Senate for concurrence before being transmitted to the state assemblies for ratification, as required for constitutional amendments.