State Police Support Grows as Senate Passes Amendment

On Thursday, thirty-six state speakers from Nigeria's state houses of assembly expressed their support for the establishment of state police, coinciding with the Senate's passage of a constitutional amendment aimed at decentralizing policing. This amendment, which has been a long-standing effort to tackle increasing insecurity, was approved by at least 24 state houses of assembly and is awaiting assent from President Bola Tinubu.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia praised the Senate's decision as a landmark step towards strengthening the country's security architecture. He emphasized that state police would provide a better understanding of local dynamics, enabling quicker responses to security threats.

In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf convened a stakeholders' meeting to review the implications of the proposed amendment, while Gombe State's speaker, Abubakar Luggerewo, indicated that the bill would undergo detailed scrutiny. Akwa Ibom's speaker, Udem Otong, noted that they would not take a definitive position until they reviewed the bill thoroughly.