The Enugu State House of Assembly has voted in support of a constitutional amendment to allow states to establish their own police forces alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
The resolution was passed during plenary on Tuesday, October 20. It adds Enugu’s support to the constitutional amendment process, rather than immediately establishing a state police force.
The bill still requires the backing of 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies and the president’s signature to become law, Premium Times reported.
Speaker Uche Ugwu announced the decision in a Facebook post, according to Premium Times. Ugwu, who represents Udi North State Constituency, said members had voted for the proposed constitutional change to address internal security challenges.
The House of Representatives approved the amendment on June 11, and the Senate passed it days later. State assemblies began considering the proposal after the National Assembly transmitted it to them.
In early October, Nnadubem Moghalu, secretary of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, identified Edo, Oyo, Osun and Rivers as states that had approved it.
Supporters argue that local knowledge could improve responses to security threats, while opponents have raised concerns about possible abuse by governors.
Source: Premium Times
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