The Delta State House of Assembly has approved a proposed constitutional amendment to pave the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, with all 23 lawmakers present voting in favour of the measure.
Gatekeepers News reports that the resolution was adopted during plenary on Tuesday as the lawmakers considered the proposed Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution, which seeks to enable decentralised policing across the country.
The Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, presided over the session, while the House Leader led the debate on the proposal.
Speaking after the vote, Guwor described the decision as a significant step towards creating a policing structure capable of responding more effectively to security challenges at the community level.
“For Delta State, this reform holds great promise for protecting lives and property, sustaining peace and creating a safer environment for investment and development,” the Speaker said.
He added that the Assembly’s position was consistent with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
Following the approval, Guwor directed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
The proposed constitutional reform is intended to allow state governments to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police structure, subject to the completion of the required amendment process.
Proponents of state police argue that decentralising law enforcement could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and enable security agencies to respond more quickly to threats within local communities.
The development comes as the Federal Government advances plans to establish a framework for state policing.
Last Thursday, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, disclosed that the proposed National Policing Bill was 90 per cent ready for transmission to the National Assembly.
Gbajabiamila made the disclosure after a meeting of the Presidential Working Group at the State House in Abuja, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The Delta Assembly’s approval adds to the legislative steps towards the proposed reform, although the establishment of state police will depend on the completion of the constitutional amendment process and other necessary legislative actions.
