ABUJA, NIGERIA — A constitutional amendment to establish state police is facing a setback. Only five of the 36 state assemblies have approved the bill. This is far short of the required number.
The bill seeks to devolve policing powers to the states. It requires the approval of at least 24 state assemblies. Without this, the amendment cannot become law.
Assemblies That Have Approved
The five assemblies that have approved the bill are not yet publicly confirmed. However, sources say they include states from the South-West and South-East. More states are expected to vote in the coming weeks.
Why the Delay
The slow pace of approval has raised concerns. Some analysts say the bill is controversial. They say many governors are reluctant to support it.
State police has been a subject of debate for years. Proponents say it will improve security. They argue that state governments understand local challenges better. Opponents fear it could be abused by governors. They say it could be used to intimidate political opponents.
The Numbers
For the bill to pass, 24 of the 36 state assemblies must approve it. So far, only five have done so. This means 19 more assemblies need to vote in favour.
The remaining 31 assemblies have not yet voted. Some are still deliberating. Others have not scheduled a vote.
What This Means
The delay could derail the amendment. If the required number is not reached, the bill will fail. This would be a setback for those advocating for state police.
The debate over state police is likely to continue. It is a sensitive issue. It touches on security, politics, and federalism. The outcome will have significant implications for Nigeria’s security architecture.
What Happens Next
The National Assembly will continue to engage with state assemblies. It will urge them to vote on the bill. The deadline for approval is approaching.
For now, the fate of the state police bill remains uncertain. The coming weeks will determine whether it succeeds or fails.
