Labour Party backs state police bill, urges governors to support reform
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Labour Party has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, commending the Senate for passing the Constitution Alteration Bill. The party urged governors and state Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to support this reform, describing it as a significant step in addressing security challenges and bringing policing closer to communities. Ken Asogwa, LP National Publicity Secretary, praised the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for its courage and patriotism in advancing the legislation. The party acknowledged concerns about potential abuse by governors but argued that Nigeria's security realities necessitate decentralizing policing powers, citing constitutional safeguards in the amendment bill to prevent misuse. The Labour Party emphasized that while no policing model is perfect, the limitations of the current centralized system require new approaches to security management. The Senate passed the bill after a clause-by-clause consideration, securing the support of over two-thirds of senators. Under the proposed amendment, state governments would establish and maintain police services within their jurisdictions, while the Nigeria Police Force would handle national security matters. The bill requires approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before being sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Kano State has recorded the highest number of new voter registrations in Nigeria, with 441,845 individuals registered under the Continuous Voter Registration exercise as of June 15, 2026. This data was presented in a report by the Sub-Committee on ICT and Data Collection, chaired by the Kano State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu. The report, released on Thursday, indicates that Kano surpassed all other 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, attributing this success to sustained voter mobilization efforts and public awareness campaigns led by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. A Voter Registration Task Force Committee established in 2025 played a key role in encouraging residents, particularly youths, to register. Bichi Local Government Area led with 30,806 new registrations, followed by Kumbotso with 18,701, while Kunchi recorded the lowest with 5,030. The report noted stronger registration in urban and semi-urban areas and highlighted the significant role of youth participation. To maintain this momentum, the committee recommended intensified voter education in areas with lower figures, increased youth and community volunteer engagement, and strengthened collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has officially signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, with Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership. This marks the formal transfer of operational and management responsibilities to the concessionaire. The signing ceremony, announced by the minister鈥檚 Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, was attended by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and representatives from various federal agencies and Aero Alliance Limited. The concession is part of the Federal Government鈥檚 efforts to modernize airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and attract private-sector investment, aligning with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda. Keyamo noted that previous attempts to concession the airport had failed for two decades, and he praised Governor Mbah for his role in facilitating the project. The minister assured aviation employees that their welfare would be protected under the new arrangement, despite the shift to private management focused on efficiency and accountability. Keyamo urged Aero Alliance Limited to justify the confidence placed in it, as its performance will set a benchmark for future airport concessions. The Enugu State Government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a direct flight connection between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu, aiming to boost trade, tourism, and investment in the South-East.
Must ReadColombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has issued an ultimatum to the country's guerrilla groups, giving them one month to surrender. This stance was a key part of his campaign, which saw him win Sunday's presidential election by a narrow margin. De la Espriella stated that his administration would not offer "generous offers or unacceptable concessions" to armed groups, contrasting with the outgoing administration's approach of dialogue. He previously expressed intentions to conduct bombing campaigns against guerrillas and build "mega-prisons." His victory marks the end of Colombia's first leftist government, led by President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella also plans to form a military alliance with the United States and Israel, having stated that Colombia and Israel would share an unprecedented relationship after speaking with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The United Nations reported on Thursday that drug crops in Colombia increased by 3.5 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.