The Edo State House of Assembly has unanimously approved the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services across Nigeria, throwing its weight behind a major restructuring of the country’s security architecture.
The Bill, transmitted to the State legislature by the Clerk of the National Assembly for consideration and concurrence, was approved during plenary in Benin City following extensive debate by lawmakers.
Leading the debate, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Osezua Sunday Ojezelle, underscored the importance of the proposed constitutional amendment and urged members to support its passage.
Contributing to the debate, the member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II, Hon. Donald Okogbe, described the proposal as a courageous step, stressing that the establishment of State Police could also open up employment opportunities for residents.
Similarly, Hon. Charity Aiguobaehian, representing Ovia North-East Constituency I, said State Police would strengthen security at the grassroots by bringing policing closer to communities.
She consequently urged her colleagues to support the Bill.
Also speaking, Hon. Richard Edosa, representing Oredo Constituency I, called for the establishment of an Edo State Police Commission as part of the proposed framework for the administration and oversight of state policing.
Edosa also urged lawmakers to support the constitutional amendment.
The member representing Etsako East Constituency, Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, equally backed the proposal, while Hon. Maria Edeko, representing Esan North-East Constituency II, said the move would contribute to restoring peace and strengthening security across communities in Edo State.
Following the exhaustive debate, Ojezelle moved a motion for the passage of the Bill. The motion was seconded by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Natasha Osawaru.
The motion was subsequently carried unanimously, with the Assembly approving the proposed constitutional amendment.
The approval forms part of the wider constitutional alteration process. The National Assembly transmitted the State Police proposal to the 36 State Houses of Assembly after both federal chambers considered and passed the measure. The amendment requires approval by at least two-thirds of the state legislatures before the constitutional alteration can proceed.
With Edo now joining the States considering and approving the proposal, attention shifts to the broader legislative process required to pave the way for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.
