Nigeria News (Standard)
House of Representatives Approves State Police Bill with 288 Votes Amid Security Concerns
Parliament Support Network praises Speaker Abbas Tajudeen as bill seeks constitutional amendment for state police formation
Parliament Support Network praises Speaker Abbas Tajudeen as bill seeks constitutional amendment for state police formation
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the State Police Bill in Abuja, marking a major legislative move to address Nigeria’s persistent insecurity. The bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution and create a legal framework for state-run police services, was approved by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers—288 in favour, with only four opposing.
The approval followed heated debates on the floor of the House, with many members highlighting the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (APC, Kaduna), presided over the session that saw cross-party support for devolving police powers to state governments while retaining a federal structure.
Nigeria has witnessed increasing calls from citizens and civil society groups for more local control over policing, especially as insecurity remains a critical issue in several regions. The move to establish state police is viewed by many stakeholders as a necessary step towards strengthening law enforcement and improving rapid response to security challenges at community level.
Reacting to the development, Executive Director of Parliament Support Network (PSN), Dr. Moses Onoja, commended both Speaker Abbas and members of the 10th Assembly for what he described as an act of courage and patriotism. “The passage of this bill shows real commitment to long-standing demands from Nigerians who want better protection of lives and property,” Onoja said in a statement issued after the vote.
With the bill’s passage in the House, attention now shifts to the Senate and state Houses of Assembly for concurrence and further legislative action. If adopted at all required levels, Nigeria will see its constitution altered to allow states establish their own police commands—a development that could reshape security management across all six geopolitical zones.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Flags 469 Polling Units as Flashpoints Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election
Electoral commission moves to deploy security agencies after identifying high-risk locations across Ekiti State for June 13 poll
Electoral commission moves to deploy security agencies after identifying high-risk locations across Ekiti State for June 13 poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified 469 polling units across Ekiti State as potential flashpoints ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 13. The commission said these locations were marked due to intelligence reports and previous incidents of electoral disturbance.
INEC officials revealed that the flagged polling units are spread across several local government areas, with a concentration in communities previously affected by ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and violence. The decision to highlight these flashpoints followed a series of stakeholder engagements and risk assessments conducted by the commission in collaboration with security agencies.
The move is aimed at preventing disruptions and ensuring a peaceful voting process for over one million eligible voters in the South-West state. INEC noted that previous elections in Ekiti had witnessed isolated cases of violence and intimidation, leading to calls from civil society groups and opposition parties for stronger preventive measures this year.
A senior INEC official, who asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly, stated that the commission had already communicated its findings to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies for immediate action. “We have shared our risk analysis with security stakeholders so they can deploy adequate personnel to these areas,” the official said.
As at Friday evening, security agencies had reportedly intensified patrols around identified flashpoints while local INEC offices began dispatching election materials under armed escort. The commission urged political parties and candidates to caution their supporters against any acts capable of disrupting the process. Voting is expected to commence at 8:30 a.m. in all 2,445 polling units statewide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Gombe Rep Dies After Brief Illness, House Speaker Abbas Leads Lawmakers in Mourning
Late lawmaker’s passing prompts condolences from National Assembly; colleagues highlight his service to Gombe North-East constituency
Late lawmaker’s passing prompts condolences from National Assembly; colleagues highlight his service to Gombe North-East constituency
A member of the House of Representatives from Gombe State has died after a brief illness, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and other lawmakers confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred shortly after the late legislator reportedly took ill, leading to an outpouring of grief from colleagues at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
According to parliamentary sources, the lawmaker represented one of Gombe’s federal constituencies and had recently participated in legislative duties before falling sick. Details about the nature of his illness were not disclosed by officials as at press time.
The death has drawn significant attention in political circles across the North-East geopolitical zone, given the late member’s role in championing constituency projects and grassroots advocacy. His absence is expected to impact ongoing committee assignments and representation for his constituents until a by-election is conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the deceased as “a committed parliamentarian whose contributions enriched debates on the floor of the House,” urging family members and constituents to take solace in his record of public service. Other lawmakers also paid tribute during a brief session, highlighting his dedication to legislative duties and development initiatives in Gombe State.
Following this development, House officials stated that funeral arrangements would be announced in consultation with the bereaved family. Meanwhile, INEC is expected to set a date for a by-election to fill the vacant seat in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists Over Death of University Student in Anyigba
Prince Abubakar Audu University hands over suspects to security agencies; Vice Chancellor visits bereaved family in Lokoja
Prince Abubakar Audu University hands over suspects to security agencies; Vice Chancellor visits bereaved family in Lokoja
Two students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, have been arrested by the police in Kogi State for their alleged involvement in the killing of a 300-level student on campus. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly stemmed from cult-related violence within the university premises.
According to a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Uredo Omale, the suspects were apprehended within two hours of the incident. The deceased, Mr David Ocholi Solomon, was a student in the Biochemistry department and was allegedly targeted by fellow students belonging to a rival cult group.
The killing has heightened concerns about campus security and ongoing cult activities in higher institutions across Nigeria. Prince Abubakar Audu University, located in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State (North-Central zone), has recently witnessed increased efforts to curb cultism and violent clashes among students.
Vice Chancellor Prof Usman Salisu Ogbo led a condolence visit to the family of the late Mr Solomon at their residence in Lokoja on Saturday. In her statement, Mrs Omale confirmed that “the suspects have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.” She added that the university is cooperating fully with authorities to ensure justice is served.
While reactions from student groups and state officials were not immediately available as at press time, university management has assured stakeholders that measures are being strengthened to prevent recurrence. Security agencies are expected to conclude their investigation and bring charges against those found culpable.
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