Ondo Assembly Endorses Constitutional Amendment for State Police

The Ondo State House of Assembly has endorsed a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

The lawmakers approved the proposal during plenary in Akure on Monday after deliberating on the proposed constitutional alteration, which seeks to decentralise policing and strengthen security at the grassroots level.

Assembly Backs State Police Proposal

The House received the proposal on September 24 through a letter from the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. The Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, subsequently read the communication to the lawmakers.

Moving the motion for the proposal’s passage, the House Leader, Olatunji Oshati, said the Assembly had considered the potential implications of the constitutional amendment for the people of Ondo State.

Oshati expressed optimism that the introduction of state police could help address security challenges confronting Nigeria.

Allen Oluwatoyin, who represents Ese-Odo State Constituency, seconded the motion, paving the way for the lawmakers to consider and approve the proposal.

Speaker Says State Police Will Improve Security

Speaking after the decision, Oladiji described the push for state police as long overdue, arguing that locally based police formations would be better positioned to respond quickly to crimes and security threats.

He said state policing could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community confidence in security agencies and support proactive crime prevention.

“There will be greater confidence in state policing. It will strengthen intelligence gathering and provide grassroots security,” the Speaker said.

Oladiji also commended members of the Assembly for their contributions during deliberations on the proposal.

National Assembly to Take Further Action

The Ondo Assembly’s resolution is expected to be forwarded to the National Assembly for further action as part of the constitutional amendment process.

The endorsement represents the state lawmakers’ position in support of the proposal. It does not, by itself, establish state police or amend the Constitution.

Further action under the constitutionally prescribed amendment process will be required before the proposal can become law.