Move follows rising insecurity nationwide as lawmakers debate constitutional amendment; Senate rejects probe into military spending

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), has announced that the National Assembly will pass the constitutional amendment bill establishing state police within the week. Bamidele disclosed this development on Tuesday in Abuja, citing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as a major reason for the urgent reform.

According to Bamidele, who spoke on recent legislative proceedings, the decision to fast-track the bill comes as lawmakers intensify efforts to address rising cases of armed attacks and kidnapping across the country. The proposed amendment seeks to give legal backing to state police operations, a move long demanded by various stakeholders amid persistent calls for more decentralised security structures.

He explained that while insecurity remains a pressing national issue, the Senate chose not to endorse a motion seeking an investigation into military expenditure at this time. “The issue of insecurity is one about which no serious, God-fearing public official can pretend any longer. It is a major issue,” Bamidele said. He noted that although there are arguments over whether the situation is improving or deteriorating, current realities demand a pragmatic approach rather than assigning blame or putting the armed forces on trial during ongoing operations.

Bamidele further stated that Nigeria’s military has been operating under extremely difficult circumstances, especially since Boko Haram and other armed groups shifted from conventional warfare to guerrilla tactics. He recounted how territories once held by insurgents had been reclaimed through military action but warned that unconventional threats continue to test security agencies and government resources.

On the Senate’s refusal to probe military spending, Bamidele said it would be counterproductive to place the nation’s armed forces under scrutiny while they are engaged in active conflict. He emphasised the sacrifices made by both officers and their families and stressed that sensitive information must be managed carefully even as government remains accountable.

As at press time, opposition lawmakers have not issued an official statement on either the state police bill or the rejected motion for a military probe. The passage of the state police bill is expected to significantly alter Nigeria’s security architecture if adopted by two-thirds of state assemblies as required by law.

Source: https://punchng.com/nass-will-pass-state-police-bill-this-week-senate-leader/