Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, has defended the proposed constitutional amendment on state policing, insisting that the legislation reflects broad national agreement rather than political interest.
Bamidele made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.
The Senate Leader said the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 was developed in response to rising insecurity and long-standing national concerns.
According to him, the proposal was the result of extensive consultations and should not be dismissed as a partisan initiative.
He described the bill as a “child of necessity,” aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Bamidele said the National Assembly engaged widely with key stakeholders, including the executive arm of government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, and the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that public hearings held across all six geopolitical zones in 2025 showed strong support for the creation of state police.
He noted that memoranda submitted during the process contributed to shaping accountability and oversight provisions in the bill.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force also submitted a memorandum supporting the initiative, with recommendations to prevent abuse and ensure institutional safeguards.
Bamidele further stated that lawmakers across party lines, including members of the PDP, ADC, NDC and Labour Party, supported the legislation during voting.
He disclosed that 84 of 109 senators participated in the clause-by-clause voting, with about 77 per cent backing the bill.
The Senate Leader acknowledged public fears that state police could be misused by political actors, but said such concerns had been addressed in the legislative process.
He argued that while historical comparisons with regional policing under the 1963 Constitution exist, they should not derail efforts to improve national security.
Bamidele urged critics to focus on strengthening the framework rather than opposing the bill outright.
He stressed that security should remain a national priority above partisan considerations, calling on political actors to contribute constructive ideas.
Bamidele maintained that the establishment of state police is urgently needed to enhance the protection of lives and property across the country.
