Lagos lawmakers endorse the constitutional amendment for state police, commending President Tinubu and the National Assembly.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has officially thrown its weight behind the proposed establishment of state police. Lawmakers approved the measure during a plenary session on Tuesday.
The move follows the consideration of a vital constitutional amendment bill transmitted directly by the National Assembly. The legislative action aims to fundamentally alter the 1999 Constitution to enhance regional security, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
By endorsing the legislative framework, Lagos joins nearly 25 states expressing support for the reform. The overarching goal is to grant local authorities greater control over their security apparatus.
Constitutional Amendment And Legislative History
Speaker of the House Mudashiru Obasa noted that the push for state police has been a recurring debate from the 5th to the 10th Assembly. Successive legislatures have continuously discussed ways to better protect lives and property.
Obasa described the latest development as a major step forward in Nigerian federalism. He emphasized that legitimate concerns regarding federal and state policing control must be properly addressed.
Furthermore, the Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to democracy. He also lauded the Senate and the House of Representatives for advancing the constitutional alteration process.
Call For Parliamentary Police And Institutional Protection
During the plenary, Speaker Obasa strongly advocated for a clear constitutional provision for a parliamentary police force. This specialized unit would protect legislative institutions and preserve their overall independence.
He cited past troubling incidents in which state legislative buildings were allegedly demolished or locked up by governors. Establishing dedicated protection would prevent such executive overreach.
The integration of a parliamentary unit would ultimately strengthen state legislatures and safeguard democratic governance. Obasa expressed full confidence that these outstanding issues will be resolved.
Next Steps And Communication With The National Assembly
Following the formal resolution supporting the proposed sixth alteration act, immediate administrative steps were taken. Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Adenike Oshinowo, to communicate the Assembly position.
The official communication will be transmitted directly to the National Assembly in Abuja. This ensures that the official stance of Lagos State is properly documented in the ongoing legislative review.
The leadership also commended both serving and former members of the Lagos Assembly. Their dedication remains vital to ongoing legislative development across Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Lagos State House of Assembly back state police?
Lawmakers backed the state police bill to strengthen security, protect lives and property, and give subnational governments greater control over local policing arrangements.
What is the official title of the constitutional amendment bill?
The bill is officially titled The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Act, 2026, which provides for a State Police Service.
What additional security measure did Speaker Mudashiru Obasa propose?
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa called for a constitutional provision for parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and preserve their independence from executive overreach.
How many states currently support the constitutional alteration?
According to legislative reports, nearly 25 states across Nigeria have expressed strong support for the proposed constitutional amendment regarding state policing.
