Support for the proposed establishment of state police continued to grow on Thursday as governors, speakers of state Houses of Assembly, the Labour Party, and the Forum of APC Speakers threw their weight behind the constitutional amendment, raising optimism that the bill could secure the approvals needed to become law.
The endorsements came a day after the Senate passed the Constitution Alteration Bill, which seeks to decentralise policing by allowing states to establish their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force. The proposal now requires approval from at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly before it can be sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Many supporters described the bill as a timely response to Nigeria's worsening security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. However, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) opposed the move, arguing that the current administration lacks the credibility to oversee such a major reform.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, praised the National Assembly for passing the bill, describing it as a bold step towards improving security. He said state police would better understand local communities, cultures and security concerns, making them more effective in protecting lives and property. Alia also commended President Tinubu for supporting the reform.
In Kano State, the House of Assembly immediately began consultations with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other stakeholders to review the bill. The Assembly said it would announce its position after completing the discussions.
Gombe State House of Assembly Speaker, Abubakar Luggerewo, said lawmakers would carefully examine the bill through committee work, public hearings and stakeholder engagement before making a final decision. While noting that the Assembly would study the bill thoroughly, he admitted that lawmakers were generally favourably disposed to the proposal.
Akwa Ibom Speaker, Udeme Otong, said the Assembly would not take a position until it received and reviewed the bill, stressing the importance of proper legislative procedures and public input.
In Bayelsa, lawmakers expressed full support for the proposal, promising to give it speedy consideration once it is transmitted by the National Assembly.
The Forum of Progressive Speakers under the APC also welcomed the Senate's action. Its chairman and Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Dangyatin, described the bill as a major victory for community-based policing and pledged that APC-controlled state legislatures would work towards its ratification while ensuring strong oversight and accountability.
The Labour Party also endorsed the proposal, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening internal security. The party urged governors and state lawmakers to rise above political differences and support the amendment, arguing that constitutional safeguards included in the bill would reduce the risk of abuse by state governments.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, led by Delta State Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, also reaffirmed its backing for state police, saying state assemblies would give the bill proper legislative attention in line with constitutional requirements.
Former Ekiti North Senator, Ayodele Arise, described the bill as a welcome development, saying local policing would improve intelligence gathering and help address insecurity more effectively. He acknowledged concerns about possible abuse but insisted that adequate constitutional safeguards could address such fears.
The Plateau State House of Assembly also indicated support, saying state policing would help tackle the persistent insecurity affecting the state and other parts of the country.
Ondo State Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, dismissed fears that governors would use state police to harass political opponents, pointing to the success of the Amotekun Corps in the South-West as evidence that community-based security outfits can operate professionally without political interference.
Despite the widespread support, the Peoples Redemption Party criticised the proposal, accusing the Tinubu administration of lacking the moral authority to drive such a major constitutional reform. The party argued that the issue should be left for a future administration after the next general election.
An analysis of the bill also revealed several safeguards designed to prevent abuse of state police. The proposal expands the National Police Council to include representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the National Human Rights Commission, retired senior police officers and attorneys-general of all states.
The bill also provides that state Commissioners of Police cannot be removed arbitrarily by governors. Any suspension or removal would require the recommendation of the National Police Council and approval by at least two-thirds of the state's House of Assembly after due process.
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Governors would also be barred from directing state police to arrest, investigate or harass individuals, political parties or groups outside the provisions of the law.
The amendment further allows the Federal Police Service to intervene temporarily in states under exceptional circumstances, such as the breakdown of public order, threats to national security, or widespread human rights violations. Any such intervention would require written authorisation from the President, notification of relevant authorities within 48 hours, and would remain subject to Senate oversight and judicial review.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police Service would continue to handle national security issues such as terrorism, cybercrime, border protection and organised crime, while state police would focus on enforcing state laws, maintaining public safety and addressing local security concerns.
Supporters believe the reform will strengthen community policing and improve security nationwide, while critics remain concerned about the possibility of political misuse. The fate of the bill now rests with the state Houses of Assembly, where at least 24 legislatures must approve it before it can become part of the Constitution.
