Senators Explain Focus on State Police in Constitution Review

Senators have defended the National Assembly’s choice to focus on changes to the constitution for state police. They believe the country’s rising insecurity makes this a top priority.

The lawmakers responded to worries that the National Assembly seems to be paying more attention to state police than to other constitutional changes.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said insecurity is the biggest worry for Nigerians. He shared this message through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, explaining that is why state police is getting priority.

Bamidele, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, said the 10th National Assembly cannot ignore state police issues. He added that this focus is crucial as security problems keep threatening lives and property across the nation.

Clarifying the Process

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South) dismissed claims that other constitutional proposals have been set aside. He explained that the Constitution Review Committee chose to break down the amendment process to speed up urgent matters, especially those about state police.

“We’re looking at all areas of constitutional amendments. We decided to break down the amendment process because if we wait for every item to be finished before submitting, this legislative cycle may end,” he said.

Moro added, “So we’re taking the state police now, while other constitutional amendment proposals will come soon. In the next few months, they will also be discussed.”

Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) also expressed that security is the government's main duty. He believes setting up state police is an important constitutional change. Ndume, who leads the Senate Committee on Army, has been pushing for both state police and local government police to boost security at the grassroots level.

“Security is number one. I have even been calling for local government police because of the security situation in the country. The constitution was written by Nigerians and can be changed as needed,” he said.

Seeking Suggestions

Ndume continued, “Anything that can help improve security in this country should be backed. Other parts of the constitutional amendment will still be worked on.” He urged Nigerians, especially the media, to give positive suggestions to improve the proposed policing plan instead of just criticizing it.

Senator Anthony Ani (APC-Ebonyi South) said it makes sense for the National Assembly to tackle the most urgent constitutional issue first.

“We have to focus on security because it is a big challenge in this country. We can’t handle everything at once. Once this issue is settled, we will move on to other constitutional amendment proposals,” Ani said.