House Begins Debate on Tinubu’s State Police Bill, Senate Version May Be Adopted

The House of Representatives has commenced consideration of the Executive Bill seeking the establishment of State Police, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu as part of ongoing constitutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.

Speaking at a meeting of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, said the House may adopt the version of the State Police Bill already passed by the Senate, with only minor amendments where necessary.

Kalu recalled that the House had passed its own Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police on June 11 but rescinded the decision on July 14 after President Tinubu forwarded an Executive Bill for consideration.

He explained that the President, as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, was best positioned to propose comprehensive legislation capable of addressing the country’s growing security challenges.

According to him, the Executive Bill has already passed first and second readings in the House, while stakeholder engagements held during the National Assembly Open Week effectively served as the required public hearing.

Kalu urged members of the Constitution Review Committee to thoroughly scrutinise the bill to ensure it reflects the aspirations of Nigerians, noting that every committee member has a responsibility in the review process.

He described the proposed State Police Bill as one of President Tinubu’s flagship constitutional reform initiatives, adding that the President has consistently advocated a multi layered policing system since his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Kalu maintained that although the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary operate independently, they remain united in the pursuit of national goals, particularly the protection of lives and property, stressing that there is now broad national consensus on the need to prioritise security across the country.