STATE POLICE: EBONYI ASSEMBLY UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES STATE POLICE BILL
Read Time:1 Minute, 39 Second
By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved the State Police Bill transmitted by the National Assembly for concurrence, advancing the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police services across Nigeria.
The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, to provide a legal framework for the creation of state police services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force at the federal level.
During plenary at the Assembly Complex on Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, all 24 lawmakers voted unanimously in favour of the bill following extensive deliberations and consultations with their constituents.
The Speaker of the House, Moses Ije Odunwa, who presided over the session, said the unanimous decision demonstrated the Assembly’s commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture, improving access to criminal intelligence and protecting lives and property.
Odunwa noted that the call for a decentralised policing system had long been supported by the people of Ebonyi State. He added that the state had formally expressed its support for state police during a public hearing organised by the National Assembly as part of the constitution review process.
“The passage of this bill reflects the wishes of Ebonyians who desire a policing system that is closer to the people and more responsive to local security challenges,” the Speaker said.
The House Leader and lawmaker representing Afikpo North-West Constituency, Kingsley Ikoro, said establishing state police would increase security personnel and improve the effectiveness of crime prevention and control at the grassroots.
Similarly, lawmakers representing Abakaliki North and Afikpo North-East constituencies, Victor Chidi Nwoke and Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, respectively, alongside the Chief Whip, Nkemka Okoro Onumah, stressed the importance of bringing policing closer to communities as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Following the passage of the bill, Odunwa directed the Clerk of the House, Uche Edene, to transmit an official memorandum conveying the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0