BREAKING: Reps adopt state police report, approve 18 clauses

The House of Representatives has adopted the report on the proposed establishment of state police and approved 18 constitutional amendment clauses. The report was adopted during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Details of the proposed amendments, which formed part of the report adopted by the House, outline the structure, powers, funding, oversight, and operational guidelines for both federal and state policing systems. Under the proposal, the Constitution would formally establish two separate police institutions—the Federal Police and State Police. While the Federal Police would continue to operate nationwide, each state would be empowered to establish its own police service through legislation passed by its House of Assembly. However, a state police outfit would not become operational until it is certified as meeting national minimum standards prescribed by the National Assembly. The proposal provides that until a state police service becomes operational, the Federal Police will continue to perform all policing duties within that state. Once established, state police would assume responsibility for local policing, while the Federal Police would focus on federal security functions and provide support when necessary. To prevent abuse and conflicts of authority, the amendment introduces safeguards limiting federal intervention in state policing matters. Under the proposal, the Federal Police would only be allowed to intervene in state police operations in cases of a complete breakdown of law and order, when a governor formally requests assistance, or when a state police service is unable to function due to administrative or financial challenges. Any such intervention would require prior approval from the National Police Council. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, would remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Police. The proposed amendments also spell out leadership structures for both institutions. The Federal Police would be headed by an Inspector-General of Police appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. Similarly, each State Police would be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor on the advice of the National Police Council and confirmed by the State House of Assembly. Governors would have the power to issue lawful directives to their commissioners on matters relating to public safety and security. However, where a commissioner believes such directives a