Senate has passed a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution and establish state police services across the country.
The legislation, which creates a dual structure of Federal Police Service and State Police Services, was passed after a clause-by-clause consideration with more than two-thirds of senators voting in support.
A key provision empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by the respective state Houses of Assembly.
“Under Clause 17 of the proposed constitutional amendment, a State Police Service shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police of the State appointed by the Governor of the State on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to confirmation by the House of Assembly of the State,” the bill states.
Lawmakers included safeguards to prevent abuse, stipulating that a state Commissioner of Police “shall not arrest, detain, investigate or deploy force against any person, political party or group merely for criticizing the government except in accordance with the law.”
The bill also outlines conditions for federal intervention in state police matters in cases of breakdown of public order.
The passage came a day after President Bola Tinubu transmitted the bill to the National Assembly.
According to Tinubu, the measure aims to enhance security by allowing states greater control while communities play more active roles in policing.
