Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously voted to approve proposed constitutional amendments allowing for the establishment of state police in the country.
During its 53rd legislative day of the 4th session of the 10th assembly, the all 25 lawmakers present voted in favor of the Fifth Alteration Bill, backing President Bola Tinubu’s push to decentralize policing and tackle insecurity.
The session, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, focused on the ongoing efforts to alter the 1999 Constitution.
Under Section 9 of the Constitution, amendments passed by the National Assembly, which requires approval from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies to become law.
The bill retains the Nigeria Police Force as the primary security agency until a state police unit is formally certified and operational.
It also introduces strict barriers to prevent abuse—including guidelines on human rights, civilian oversight, firearms control, and conditions for emergency federal intervention.
The vote for or against the establishment of a state police by raising of hand and all 25 lawmakers seated for plenary were in favour of state policing, the position already adopted by the National assembly.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the Rivers State 10th assembly approved the establishment of state police because of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
He noted that the introduction of state police which has been in the front burner of every discuss for years will complement the effort of the Federal.police and thanked the lawmakers for endorsing what he described as the right thing to do after due consultation with their constituents.
The speaker stressed that by the latest development, the Rivers State 10th Assembly is fully in support of the Constitution Alteration Bill.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
