Senate Passes State Police Bill, Gives Governors Role In Police Commissioners

The Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to create state police services across Nigeria, moving the proposal from debate to a fresh legislative passage stage.

Vanguard and Premium Times reported that lawmakers approved the bill on Wednesday after considering the report of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The clause-by-clause session was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The bill proposes a Federal Police Service and separate state police services. Premium Times reported that Clause 17 allows a governor to appoint the commissioner of police for a state police service, subject to confirmation by the state House of Assembly.

The proposal also allows governors to issue lawful written directives on public safety and public order, but the same clause bars state police from arresting, detaining or deploying force against people or political groups for criticising government except where the law permits it.

Vanguard reported that the bill contains federal intervention powers in cases involving a breakdown of public order, threats to national security, administrative failure or evidence that a state police service is being used to violate rights or intimidate opponents.

Punch reported that Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said any federal intervention would need written authorisation from the President and would be limited in scope and duration, with Senate oversight and judicial review.

The passage is a new stage in the state police debate. NaijaTrend previously reported President Bola Tinubu’s transmission of the amendment proposal to the Senate here.

Channels TV also reported the Senate passage, noting the governor appointment provision. The bill still has to pass the remaining constitutional amendment steps before state police can take effect.

Sources: Vanguard, Premium Times, Punch, Channels TV