Bills on state and LG police scale second reading in House of Reps

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 25, successfully passed a series of constitutional amendment bills in their second reading, including proposals that would create state and local government police, and establish special seats for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and special interest groups in the legislative process.

These amendments, part of a larger package of 39 bills aimed at judicial, legislative, and electoral reforms, were approved without debate. The bills seek to make significant changes to Nigeria’s constitutional framework, including a move to allow special legislative seats for PWDs and other marginalized groups, as well as the establishment of state and local police forces.

The proposed amendments have sparked discussions about the future of security and representation in the country. The bill calling for the creation of state and local government police, sponsored by lawmakers from Delta and Ekiti States, would introduce a new layer of policing at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the bill aimed at increasing legislative representation for special interest groups, including persons with disabilities, is seen as an important step toward greater inclusivity in Nigerian politics.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session, referred the bills to the Committee on Review of the Constitution for further consideration. This step marks the beginning of the legislative process, with the committee tasked with scrutinizing the bills before they are brought back to the House for further discussion.

As the nation looks ahead to potential changes to its political landscape, these proposed amendments are expected to fuel ongoing debates about the need for reform in Nigeria’s governance structures.