Rivers Assembly Backs State Police, Gives Tinubu’s Security Reform Boost
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services across Nigeria, giving fresh momentum to
During a plenary session in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State House of Assembly unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at establishing State Police Services across Nigeria, according to Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt. This vote bolsters the ongoing movement for decentralised policing. The amendment, transmitted from the National Assembly to the state legislatures on September 16, 2026, seeks to create a constitutional framework for State Police while retaining the existing Nigeria Police Force at the federal level.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule highlighted Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that constitutional alterations require support from at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly, a condition already met by the 24 states endorsing the proposal. The Speaker presented the amendment, discussing provisions for the establishment and operation of State Police Services, after which lawmakers indicated their support by raising their hands.
All 25 present members voted in favor, with no votes against or abstentions. This decision by the Rivers Assembly aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s push for constitutional reforms to facilitate State Police deployment, aiming to strengthen security at the grassroots level by bringing policing closer to communities and improving local response to security challenges.
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