The debate about state and local government policing in Nigeria is going to become hotter as the House of Representatives voted on a bill for second reading, seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to enable decentralized policing.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, aims to transfer “Police” from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, in effect granting states the authority to establish and operate their own police forces.
Besides state police, the bill also makes provisions for local government police, a move that is bound to cause intense controversy. Political interference, ethnic conflicts, and human rights abuses have been issues of major stakeholders like the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, and the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam.
The House also passed 38 other constitution amendment bills covering judicial reforms, election proceedings, and governing systems. Key among the major proposals are:
- Concurrent holding of all general elections.
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Mandatory resignation of political party chairman contesting for elective positions.
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Grant of powers to conduct local government elections to INEC, removing same from state electoral commissions.
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Allocating special seats in parliament for the disabled and other vulnerable populations.
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Establishing an FCT House of Assembly.
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Expanding the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to cover election petitions.
Others target restricting defection by legislators, altering the time limits for election tribunals, and passing the National Local Government Electoral Commission to oversee local elections.
The far-reaching constitutional reform proposals, particularly on state and local policing, represent a major turning point in Nigeria’s security and governance structure. But the suggestions will likely face intense scrutiny as the legislative process unfolds.
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Olawale Moses Oyewole is an adept writer who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He is a digital strategist who help brands gain online visibility.
