House of Representatives
The House of Representatives on Tuesday rescinded its earlier resolution on a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police Services.
The House subsequently passed a revised Executive Bill on the same subject for second reading.
The development followed the adoption of a motion by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Francis Waive (APC-Delta), during plenary.
Waive said the action was taken pursuant to Order Nine, Rule 6 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.
He recalled that the House had on June 11 approved alterations to several sections of the 1999 Constitution, including provisions relating to the establishment of State Police Services.
The lawmaker also noted that a 12-member Conference Committee was constituted on July 9 to harmonise the decisions of both chambers of the National Assembly on the proposed state police framework.
According to him, new developments have emerged regarding the contents of the bill, necessitating a fresh review of its provisions.
“New facts have emerged regarding the provisions of the Bill, which necessitate a critical review and reconsideration of its clauses to align with national security structure.
“Cognizant of the need to rescind the decision of the House on the passage of the bill and the constitution of the Conference Committee on the Establishment of State Police Services.”
Following a voice vote conducted by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, lawmakers unanimously approved the motion and rescinded the earlier resolution on the bill.
In a related development, the House passed for second reading an Executive Bill seeking to amend the Constitution to create a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services.
The bill was transmitted to the House by President Bola Tinubu and read during plenary by the Speaker.
In the communication, Tinubu said the proposed legislation built on previous legislative efforts and included additional safeguards for the operation of a dual policing structure.
According to the President, the bill is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges through a more effective and responsive security architecture.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the House of Representatives will act quickly to consider and pass this bill.”
Tinubu expressed confidence that the House would give the proposal expeditious consideration in the interest of national security and public safety.(NAN)
