Rivers Assembly Passes State Police Bill, Kano Begins Deliberation

The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the State Police Bill forwarded to it by the National Assembly.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police while retaining the Nigeria Police Force at the federal level.

At its sitting on Monday, the assembly approved the Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of state police.

Speaking before putting the bill to a vote, Speaker Martin Amaewhule stressed the need for a state policing system with constitutional safeguards for civilian control, protection of human rights and access to criminal information.

He also called for measures to prevent abuse of the system.

In a statement, the speaker’s Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, said members voted unanimously in favour of the bill.

Rivers is the third state to approve the bill after Osun and Edo.

Meanwhile, the Kano State House of Assembly on Monday commenced deliberation on the State Police Bill transmitted to it by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The Majority Leader of the assembly, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yangurasa, confirmed the development to Daily Trust.

He said the bill was read on the floor of the House and referred to the Committee on Rules and Business for consideration.
According to him, the committee will study the proposed legislation and submit its recommendations to the assembly for further action.

“The Assembly will take all necessary steps on the bill once the committee submits its report,” Yangurasa said.