. Swears in 4 new Senators
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Senate on Wednesday at emergency plenary passed the State Police Bill.
Recall that the Red Chamber received President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Bill on Tuesday, considered and passed it to first reading.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio thereafter referred the Bill to committee on constitutional amendment for further legislative consideration and asked to bring back the Bll on Wednesday for further consideration at the committee of the whole.
Consequently, in a move to accommodate decentralized police structure in the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate has adopted clearly defined measures to constrain and prohibit state governors from using such powers for partisan, ethnic, religious, sectional, or personal purposes.
The upper chamber also pointed out that when eventually amended, the new constitution will authorize the National Assembly to prescribe national minimum standards relating to recruitment, training, vetting, promotions, discipline, use of force, firearms, complaints procedures, accountability, data management, and professional conduct.
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reeled out these measures while leading debate on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026.
Canvassing support for the bill, Bamidele highlighted the objectives of the bill on the establishment of state police submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The proposal mainly sought to balance local policing autonomy with national cohesion, accountability with operational effectiveness and federal oversight with state responsibility.
He said the bill is intended to retain the Nigeria Police Force for federal policing duties while providing for the establishment of state police services in states that choose to adopt them.
Bamidele further broke down the details of the proposed police decentralized structure, noting that the state police would be responsible only for enforcing state laws, maintaining public safety and public order, preventing and detecting crimes within their jurisdiction, protecting lives and property and other local policing responsibility.
On the responsibilities of the federal police, Bamidele noted that the federal police would be in charge of protecting federal institutions, counter terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, border security, arms trafficking, interstate criminal activities, and other national security matters.
The Senate leader, more specifically, clarified circumstances in which the federal police could intervene in security situations or conditions at the sub-national level
He explained that the interventionary powers of the federal police could only be activated when there “is outright breakdown of public order at a specific subnational entity; when a state police is incapable of functioning; when there is serious violation of fundamental rights; when there is an established record of electoral intimidation and when national security is under threat.”
Bamidele added that such intervention could only come after the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces authorized it in writing, saying it would be limited in scope and duration, subject to Senate oversight and open to judicial review.
He further explained that the bill generally sought “to balance local policing autonomy with national cohesion, accountability with operational effectiveness and federal oversight with state responsibility.
“The bill provides robust safeguards against abuse, preserves federal authority where necessary, protects constitutional rights and creates a modern policing framework capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
The Chief Chip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno, further solicited broader support for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the establishment of state police in order to help respond decisively to security challenges with the subnational territories.
Having passed through second reading, the Red Chamber subjected the Bill to Committee of the whole where it went through clause by clause consideration and finally scaled through third reading and was passed.
Earlier, Akpabio set the stage for what he described as a “profound national moment” as the Upper Chamber commenced deliberations on the State Police Establishment Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment that could alter Nigeria’s security architecture for the first time since 1960.
Addressing senators ahead of the debate, Akpabio said the matter touches directly on the peace, order, security, and good governance of the nation. He noted that citizens across the country continue to look to leaders and institutions for innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions to guarantee the safety of lives and properties.
The bill, which Akpabio confirmed was forwarded as an executive bill, seeks to provide for the establishment of state police. It will be formally presented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment. Akpabio disclosed that the proposal had earlier been circulated to senators.
He reminded the chamber that the Senate would be judged not only by the laws it passes but also by its willingness to confront difficult national questions with courage, patriotism and foresight. He the day’s deliberation as one of such moments.
Whatever individual perspectives may be on the deal, Akpabio insisted, senators must approach the debate with compromise guided solely by national interest, constitutional principles, and the collective welfare of Nigerians.
Akpabio stressed that the decision has the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, and national security for generations. “This has never been done since independence in 1960,” he said, urging the chamber to proceed with seriousness, diligence and responsibility.
The Senate President commended the Constitutional Amendment Committee for working for over two years to bring the bill to the floor. He also praised senators for their numbers, dedication, and for sacrificing vacation, calling it proof of the bill’s importance.
He described the presence of senators as an exhibition of patriotism and sense of duty, praying that God would bless them and take them back safely.
Akpabio closed by charging the chamber to ensure that deliberations advance national unity, strengthen democracy, and contribute meaningfully to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Senate has welcomed four new lawmakers into its ranks as Senate President administered the oath of office to senators elected Saturday’s bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The newly inaugurated senators are Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwa of the APC, representing Enugu North; Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South; and Francis Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South.
The lawmakers emerged through separate bye-elections conducted to fill vacancies created by death and appointment.
The decision followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro, after which Akpabio directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to usher the senators-elect and their guests into the chamber.
Welcoming the lawmakers, the Senate President described their inauguration as a significant milestone and reminded them of the enormous responsibility that comes with membership of the upper legislative chamber.
“Today, you join this elite club, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a responsibility to serve the Nigerian people,” Akpabio said.
The Clerk of the Senate subsequently administered the Oath of Allegiance in line with constitutional provisions before the newly elected lawmakers formally took their seats.
Akpabio also acknowledged the presence of political leaders, traditional rulers, family members and supporters who witnessed the ceremony, expressing appreciation for their attendance.
He urged the new senators to carry out their legislative responsibilities with commitment, diligence and patriotism in the service of the nation.
The inauguration restores full representation to the affected senatorial districts and strengthens the composition of the 10th Senate as it continues its legislative business.
