Osun Assembly becomes first state to back state police constitutional amendment

Nigeria's Osun State House of Assembly has made history by becoming the first state legislature to endorse a constitutional amendment establishing state police services. During Tuesday's plenary, lawmakers cast unanimous votes backing the measure after the National Assembly distributed it to all 36 state houses on September 16.

The Majority Leader introduced the motion, with support from a fellow legislator, targeting changes to the 1999 Constitution that would create State Police Services nationwide. Rather than displacing current Federal Police operations, this dual structure would operate in tandem with existing arrangements.

Constitutional rules stipulate that two-thirds of state assemblies, no fewer than 24, must ratify the amendment before it becomes law. Clarity emerged from the National Assembly's administrative office regarding what had been forwarded: only the State Police Services Bill reached state legislatures, contrary to earlier suggestions that a comprehensive slate of constitutional proposals had been distributed.

This explanation surfaced as deliberations commenced in both Zamfara and Sokoto, while Bauchi convened a panel for detailed assessment. Debate surrounding state policing's impact on security has persisted throughout Nigeria, with advocates contending that region-based enforcement mechanisms could strengthen local safety outcomes.

Through the Osun Assembly's endorsement, ratification has begun: a process anticipated to span numerous months as legislatures across the federation weigh in on the proposal.