As the Constitutional Review Process Reconvenes, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Urges Swift Legislative Action with Robust Safeguards to Prevent Abuse and Ensure Accountability…
By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku | Abuja, Nigeria
BTvNEWS: The Senate of Nigeria has assured Nigerians that the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police will be concluded before the end of 2026.
This assurance was given by the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, in an interview with several national newspapers on Friday. He disclosed that the upper legislative chamber would immediately resume deliberations on the constitutional review once plenary reconvenes next week.
The move follows a formal request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly of Nigeria to initiate the amendment process, incorporating state police as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast held at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu urged lawmakers to prioritise the constitutional amendment.
“What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” the President stated.
Addressing members of the House of Representatives of Nigeria on Friday, the President further emphasised that any proposed state police framework must include strong safeguards to prevent misuse. He cautioned that the structure should not be “a straight free fall for everybody,” but must be backed by appropriate checks and balances informed by past experiences.
Reaffirming the Senate’s commitment, Senator Adaramodu revealed that significant groundwork had already been undertaken before legislative focus shifted to amendments to the Electoral Act.
“We are going to commence the process of reviewing the constitution for the establishment of state police immediately once we resume next week,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the amendment would be finalised ahead of the next general elections, allowing sufficient time for presidential assent.
“We are giving our assurance that before the end of this year, the amendment will be done so that we can have state police. Before electioneering starts, we would have concluded the process and forwarded it to Mr President for his assent,” he added.
Adaramodu further disclosed that extensive consultations had been conducted nationwide, including stakeholder engagements across the geopolitical zones and meetings with relevant sectors. The committee overseeing the constitutional review, he noted, has already compiled reports and findings from these engagements.
According to him, the constitutional amendment process was briefly paused to expedite the Electoral Act amendment and to address legislative priorities, including the consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
“Now that those matters have been addressed, we are resuming the constitution review immediately,” he explained.
Describing state police as a broadly supported initiative, Adaramodu said the proposal enjoys backing from the President, state governors, and members of the National Assembly.
“State police is a popular demand. The President supports it, the state governors support it, and the National Assembly is fully committed to it,” he stated.
BTvNEWS 
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