The Senate has commenced a crucial clause-by-clause manual vote on the proposed constitutional amendment seeking the creation of state police across Nigeria.
The legislative exercise marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to decentralize policing and address the country’s escalating security challenges.
If approved by the National Assembly, the bill will require the endorsement of at least two-thirds (24) of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution, paving the way for state-controlled police forces to operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
### High-Profile Observers and Floor Drama
The high-stakes session drew prominent government officials to the Senate chamber to observe the proceedings. Among those present were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
However, the admission of the dignitaries into the chamber was preceded by brief procedural drama.
The Senate initially rejected a request to admit the governors and executive officials to the floor following a voice vote. Under Senate rules, visitors are restricted to the gallery, while only lawmakers are permitted on the floor of the chamber. The rejection temporarily stalled proceedings as the invited guests waited at the entrance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, appealing to lawmakers to reconsider. Akpabio argued that because any constitutional amendment regarding state police would ultimately require the approval of state assemblies, it was vital for governors—who wield significant influence at the subnational level—to observe the debate closely. He also noted that the bill originated from the executive arm.
Following Akpabio’s appeal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to suspend Order 12 of the Senate Rules, which governs floor privileges.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin seconded the motion, praising Akpabio’s inclusive leadership style. The Senate subsequently approved the motion, clearing the way for the governors and officials to enter the chamber.
### Switch to Manual Voting
To guarantee transparency and prevent technical glitches from disrupting the vote, the Senate resolved to dump its electronic voting system in favor of a manual division.
Under the manual arrangement, senators were required to stand individually, announce their names, and openly declare their votes on each clause of the bill.
Moving the motion for manual voting, Bamidele explained that the measure was designed to ensure no lawmaker was disenfranchised by faulty electronic devices.
“There is a need to ensure transparency both among ourselves, as people performing this major constitutional responsibility, and to the members of the public,” Bamidele said. “Rather than go by way of electronic voting, which obviously is not [fully functional] today, and disenfranchise a few of our colleagues whose machines are not working, I am moving that we give every distinguished senator the opportunity to answer his or her father’s name by doing manual voting.”
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro. Lawmakers noted that the open voting process would also ensure that each senator’s stance on the contentious security issue is made clear to their constituents.
