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Senate Set for Historic Vote on State Police, Electoral Reforms, Traditional Rulers’ Autonomy and Six Other Constitutional Amendments
Senate Set for Historic Vote on State Police, Electoral Reforms, Traditional Rulers’ Autonomy and Six Other Constitutional Amendments
The Nigerian Senate is poised to take a decisive step in the ongoing effort to reshape the nation’s governance framework as lawmakers prepare to vote on seven far-reaching constitutional amendment bills, including the highly debated State Police Establishment Bill.
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The proposed amendments, which are expected to generate intense national interest, form part of the National Assembly’s broader agenda to deepen democracy, strengthen institutions, enhance security, and promote greater autonomy for states and local governments.
At the forefront of the proposed reforms is the State Police Bill, a measure widely seen as a potential game-changer in addressing the country’s growing security challenges through the decentralization of policing powers.
Also scheduled for consideration is a constitutional amendment that seeks to place the Armed Forces of the Federation on a first-line charge, ensuring direct funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund and guaranteeing more stable financial support for the military.
The Senate will equally deliberate on a proposal aimed at granting constitutional recognition and financial autonomy to traditional institutions through the establishment of State Councils of Traditional Rulers, a move expected to strengthen the role of traditional leaders in governance and community development.
In another significant reform, lawmakers will consider a bill introducing independent candidacy for governorship, legislative, and local government elections, potentially expanding political participation beyond party structures.
The Red Chamber is also expected to vote on the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission with constitutional backing. The proposed body would be empowered to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes, a move designed to improve the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
On the judicial front, senators will consider an amendment mandating courts to commute death sentences imposed on pregnant women to life imprisonment whenever pregnancy is satisfactorily established before the court.
Another bill seeks to prohibit the public parade of criminal suspects by law enforcement agencies, describing the practice as inhuman and degrading treatment while reinforcing the constitutional principle that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The constitutional review package further contains provisions aimed at strengthening local government autonomy, expanding protections for children’s rights, enhancing the independence of electoral institutions, devolving additional powers to states, improving fiscal accountability, and providing stronger constitutional safeguards for critical democratic institutions.
The anticipated vote is expected to mark one of the most significant constitutional reform exercises in recent years, with the potential to redefine Nigeria’s security architecture, electoral system, justice sector, and intergovernmental relations.
