Ondo State Assembly Approves Bill for State Police

The Ondo State House of Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police, addressing the urgent need for improved security measures. The bill was considered during a plenary session on a Monday, following its transmission by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana.

It passed the second and third readings with support from lawmakers exceeding the required two-thirds majority. Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji emphasized the necessity of state police in tackling insecurity and enhancing governance.

The Assembly's Committee of the Whole House recommended concurrence to the amendment, with a specific amendment to Section 317A(5). Lawmakers highlighted benefits such as improved intelligence gathering and faster emergency response.

They noted that state police would complement the Federal Police Service by focusing on community-level security issues, thereby allowing federal forces to concentrate on more complex crimes. The bill aims to protect farmers and improve security in farming communities.

Following approval, the Speaker instructed the Clerk to forward the bill to the National Assembly with the Assembly's observations.