: The resolution of the 19 Governors of the Northern States of Nigeria to support the call for federalization and devolution of ...
The resolution of the 19 Governors of the Northern States of Nigeria to support the call for federalization and devolution of the Nigeria Police Force, culminating in the creation of State Police, represents a decisive step toward restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture. This collective stance provides significant momentum to the broader project of devolving powers to the States, a long‑standing demand in Nigeria’s federal discourse.
Importantly, this position converges with President Tinubu’s recent call on the National Assembly to initiate constitutional amendments that would establish State Police as part of comprehensive security reforms. The alignment of executive advocacy with gubernatorial consensus removes a major obstacle in the constitutional amendment process.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), any alteration requires the approval of two‑thirds majorities in both Houses of the National Assembly, as well as ratification by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly. With the Northern Governors’ resolution, the likelihood of securing the required state‑level endorsement has substantially increased, thereby easing one of the most formidable hurdles in the amendment process.
This development underscores a rare moment of political convergence: the executive, the legislature, and a critical bloc of state governments now share a common agenda on policing reform. If sustained, this consensus could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s constitutional evolution, embedding State Police within the framework of true federalism and enhancing the capacity of States to address localized security challenges.
Conclusion:
This convergence of presidential leadership, legislative responsibility, and gubernatorial consensus presents a historic opportunity to recalibrate Nigeria’s federal structure. The creation of State Police, if enshrined through constitutional amendment, would not only enhance the responsiveness of law enforcement to local realities but also symbolize a decisive shift toward genuine federalism. By seizing this moment, Nigeria can strengthen its democratic institutions, empower its States, and lay the foundation for a more secure and resilient federation.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla
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