Edith CHUKU
Cross River State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed constitutional amendments to pave the way for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.
22 out of the 25 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill seeking to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.
While three members were absent during plenary on Tuesday, the assembly passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
The passage followed deliberations by lawmakers on the proposed constitutional amendments and the need for a decentralised policing system to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering and enhance the protection of lives and property across the state.
Contributing to the debate, the Leader of the House and member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, emphasised the importance of bringing policing closer to the people, noting that a decentralised system could enhance security responses and address challenges peculiar to communities at the grassroots.
Similarly, the member representing Yala I State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey, stressed the need for effective coordination between state and federal security agencies to ensure that the proposed State Police Services complement existing security structures and improve overall security operations.
The Deputy Leader of the House and member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Eta, underscored the importance of adequate safeguards, accountability and professionalism in the proposed framework, stressing that state police must operate within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly’s decision reflected its commitment to supporting constitutional reforms aimed at addressing security challenges and protecting lives and property.
He emphasised that the implementation of state policing must be guided by the rule of law, accountability and democratic principles.
“By this vote, the 10th Assembly has demonstrated its support for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services,” the Speaker said.
The bill contains 26 clauses and proposes 25 alterations through substitutions to provisions of the principal Act. Among the sections listed for amendment are Sections 84(4), 89(2), 121(3), 124(4), 109(2), 153(1), 157(2), 158(1) and 160.
