Nigerian Senate to reconvene for emergency session on State Police Bill
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Nigerian Senate is scheduled to hold an emergency plenary session today to consider the State Police Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at decentralizing policing and allowing states to establish their own police services. This special sitting follows concerns that the bill, which requires a two-thirds majority vote for constitutional amendments, could not be concluded before the recent recess due to a quorum shortfall. Senate Spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that the State Police legislation is a priority for the session, which will also address other matters of public interest, especially national security. The emergency plenary, communicated via a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, was convened at the instance of Senate President Godswill Akpabio to address urgent national importance, particularly issues related to national security. This recall of lawmakers during their recess highlights the growing anxiety over Nigeria's security situation, including persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups. If passed, the bill will move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing state governments to establish their own police formations alongside the federal police. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, leading the debate, emphasized that local police officers would be better positioned to gather intelligence due to their familiarity with local languages, customs, and communit
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The Rivers State Police Command has ordered the arrest and detention of police officers seen in a viral video allegedly extorting money from motorists. ASP Agabe Kaborlo, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the action in a statement on Tuesday on behalf of Commissioner for Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju. The command acknowledged the video and social media reports alleging that ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey and other officers were involved in extorting the public while on duty. Social media activist Comrade Phils accused officers from the Old GRA Police Station of targeting motorists, particularly those with tinted windscreens, and demanding cash payments starting from ₦100,000, disregarding valid tinted glass permits. The state police command stated it views the allegations with utmost seriousness, as such conduct is inconsistent with the Nigeria Police Force's core values. CP Adepoju has ordered their arrest, detention, and an immediate investigation, reiterating that extortion and unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated. He assured the public of a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation, with culpable officers facing disciplinary action. The command thanked the public for reporting incidents and encouraged continued reporting of misconduct.
Must ReadThe Democratic Integrity Forum, a civil society organization, has urged for reforms to enhance Nigeria's electoral system, citing the recent governorship election in Ekiti State as evidence of the need for increased transparency and accountability before the 2027 general elections. Godwin Omini, the group's National Coordinator, stated that the Ekiti election has reignited public discussion regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission's capacity to maintain trust in the electoral process. Omini emphasized the importance of protecting voter information, ensuring transparency in the handling of electoral materials, and providing a fair environment for all political parties. He asserted that Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is truly independent, transparent, and free from partisan influence. Omini highlighted that safeguarding voter registers, polling unit data, and other electoral information is crucial for preserving election credibility and public trust in democratic institutions. He noted that the issues brought to light by the Ekiti governorship election underscore the necessity for stronger safeguards and reforms before the next general elections. The Democratic Integrity Forum called on INEC to strengthen data protection, improve transparency in managing electoral materials, and reassure Nigerians of its dedication to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. Omini also advocated for greater civic engagement in protecting democratic institutions an
The British High Commission in Abuja congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, following the June 20, 2026, governorship election. Governor Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress secured 319,224 votes, defeating Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who received 40,533 votes, and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress with 12,872 votes. While commending the peaceful conduct of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, the High Commission raised several concerns. These included instances of vote trading and interference by party agents, technical glitches with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System that caused voting delays, and the inaccessibility of many polling units for persons with disabilities. The High Commission encouraged stakeholders to address these issues, particularly the inaccessibility of polling units and the technical problems with BVAS, to ensure more inclusive and credible elections in the future, including the upcoming Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections. The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria's democratic institutions and electoral processes.