House of Reps Prioritizes State Creation and Police Decentralization in Constitutional Amendments

 

The House of Representatives has revealed that its key priorities in the ongoing constitutional amendment process are the creation of new states and the decentralization of the police structure in Nigeria.

In a statement, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, disclosed that these two critical issues have taken center stage in the legislative agenda.

Kalu explained that the lawmakers are determined to address the longstanding agitations for the creation of additional states, particularly from marginalized regions, as part of their efforts to promote fairness and equitable distribution of resources.

Furthermore, the House is actively pursuing the establishment of state police as a means of improving security and making law enforcement more responsive to local needs. This move aligns with the growing consensus among Nigerians on the need to decentralize the country's unitary police structure.

The Deputy Speaker emphasized that the 10th National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the constitutional amendment process reflects the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian people. He expressed confidence that the proposed changes to the state creation and police structures will strengthen the country's federalism and enhance security across the nation.

Kalu's statement underscores the House of Representatives' recognition of the pressing issues facing the country, particularly the clamor for state creation and the decentralization of the police. As the constitutional amendment process continues, Nigerians will be closely watching to see if these priorities translate into tangible outcomes that address the country's longstanding challenges.