The Gombe State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the proposed creation of state police, bringing the number of state legislatures supporting the constitutional amendment to 25.

The decision followed Thursday’s plenary session, during which lawmakers adopted the recommendations of a seven-member committee established to examine proposed changes to the 1999 Constitution.

The committee, led by Deputy Speaker Sadam Bello Sale, reviewed the proposed legislation and consulted relevant stakeholders before submitting its report to the House. Sale said the report secured the required two-thirds support of lawmakers in line with the Assembly’s standing orders.

The proposed amendment is designed to establish a legal framework for state governments to operate their own police services alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force.

The bill, which contains 26 clauses, was transmitted to state legislatures by the National Assembly for consideration under Section 9(2) of the Constitution.

Following the adoption of the committee’s recommendations, Speaker Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo said the lawmakers supported the proposed policing arrangement, expressing optimism that it would improve security across the country.

He also praised members of the Assembly for their commitment to their legislative duties.

Gombe’s endorsement comes as the state police proposal advances through Nigeria’s constitutional amendment process. With 25 state assemblies now reported to have approved the proposal, the required minimum of 24 states has been exceeded.

The next stage involves the completion of the constitutional amendment process before the proposed framework can take effect.

Credit: Punch News, Vanguard News.