The Enugu State House of Assembly has backed a constitutional amendment that would allow states to establish police services, advancing a national process that requires approval from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies.
Speaker Uche Ugwu announced the lawmakers’ backing in a Facebook post, saying they supported the proposal at a plenary session. He said it could help address internal security challenges and would “go a long way” toward that goal; Premium Times reproduced the comment.
Assembly member Chima Obieze, who represents Ezeagu Constituency, argued that state policing could improve protection for lives and property. Assembly member Okey Mbah, representing Nkanu East Constituency, said state forces could help address security threats, including attacks in farming communities, BusinessDay and Nigerian NewsDirect reported.
Assembly member Harrison Ogara warned that state police could be used to intimidate political opponents if safeguards were absent, the outlets reported. He called for oversight and accountability measures and raised whether the services could be funded sustainably.
Clerk to Nigeria’s National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana said the amendment was sent to all 36 state assemblies for consideration on Sept. 16, Voice of Nigeria reported. Section 9 of Nigeria’s Constitution requires approval from at least two-thirds of state assemblies for a constitutional alteration, or 24 of 36.
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill describes the amendment as enabling a phased system with a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. Before a state service could operate, the state would need to pass its own law and receive certification that the service meets national minimum standards, the working group says.
Enugu’s backing follows an earlier endorsement of the plan by Anambra lawmakers. State assemblies have been asked to consider the amendment, which needs approval from at least 24 of them.
