Akpabio urges full Senate attendance for state police constitutional Vote

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on all senators to attend Wednesday’s plenary session as the National Assembly prepares to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across Nigeria.

Speaking during an emergency Senate session on Tuesday, Akpabio described the State Police Bill as a major reform that could transform the country’s security architecture and improve security management at the grassroots level.

The Senate President said lawmakers should treat the exercise as a national responsibility, stressing that constitutional amendments require broad participation from members.

He said, “Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing, and this is the first time.

“As we struggle to become senators, let us also remember the responsibilities of being a senator. It is not enough for us to look for tickets. And when we get them, we don’t come to the chambers.”

Akpabio explained that the proposed amendment would provide the legal foundation for state police services while ensuring safeguards against abuse through future legislation and regulatory oversight.

According to him, the reform would strengthen community policing by involving local governments, traditional rulers, village leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders in tackling insecurity.

He argued that local communities are often better placed to identify criminal elements operating in their areas, adding that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering and enable quicker responses to security threats.

To expedite consideration of the bill, Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to submit its report on Wednesday for immediate legislative action.

Also speaking, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasised the need for all senators to be present, noting that constitutional amendments require the support of at least two-thirds of members.

“We need a minimum of two-thirds of distinguished senators to be able to vote on constitutional alteration. That means it is important for all of us to be here,” Bamidele said.

He described the state police proposal as a national matter that transcends political parties and regional interests, urging senators to encourage absent colleagues to attend the session.

The Senate later adjourned plenary until 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 24, when lawmakers are expected to debate and vote on the bill.