The Senate has signalled a major step toward the creation of state police, announcing plans to begin deliberations on the proposal this week as concerns over insecurity continue to mount across the country.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the issue has emerged as one of the key priorities in the ongoing constitutional amendment process and assured Nigerians that lawmakers are committed to advancing the legislation.
Speaking during a briefing with members of the Senate Press Corps, Bamidele disclosed that extensive consultations had already been held with critical stakeholders to build consensus around the proposal.
“We are standing with Nigerians on state police. That will come to fruition this week during plenary.
“We have been holding a series of meetings with stakeholders and will fast-track deliberations so that the bill can proceed to the 36 state houses of assembly and eventually receive presidential assent,” he said.
The Senate Leader also dismissed growing calls for a probe of the military, describing such demands as unpatriotic and poorly timed in view of the security challenges facing the country.
Addressing concerns over lawmakers’ earnings, Bamidele said the Senate would soon respond to public scrutiny by making details of senators’ salaries and allowances available, alongside information relating to ministers and other public office holders.
His comments followed recent court pronouncements reportedly declaring the procurement of ₦110 billion worth of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and the allowance structure for lawmakers unlawful.
Defending the acquisition of the vehicles, Bamidele insisted they were purchased to support legislative responsibilities and constituency engagements.
“Every vehicle given to us is meant for constituency work and other official assignments. Public office holders are entitled to such provisions. It is neither strange nor peculiar to lawmakers in Nigeria,” he stated.
He added that criticism of the National Assembly was not unexpected, noting that the legislature’s oversight role frequently attracts opposition and public backlash.
