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ABUJA: The Senate on Wednesday urged lawmakers to continue the debate on the amendment of the 1999 constitution to allow for the creation of state police, with an open mind by setting aside personal interests for national interests.
Addressing the plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, explained to Senators that amending the constitution for state police would enhance citizens’ protection, adding that the decision taken in this chamber would shape the future of the country.
This is as he thanked Senators for showing up for “this all-national assignment,” expressing hope that Wednesday’s deliberations would advance the course of national development.
“Now, distinguished colleagues, at the last count, we had about 83 senators, and by the grace of God, we have just added four, making it eighty-seven.
“I am mentioning this because we are about to go into a very important duty that requires two-thirds of the Senate sitting, and two-thirds of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not a quorum of the Senate, but two-thirds of the Senate.
“So today presents yet another historic opportunity for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to discharge one of its most sacred constitutional responsibilities. The duty to make laws for the peace, order, security, and good governance of our nation.
The matter we are about to go into is of profound national importance; it concerns the consideration of a constitutional amendment seeking to provide for the establishment of State Police as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture,” Akpabio enjoined lawmakers.
He highlighted security challenges facing the nation, as he maintained, “As representatives of the people, we are all aware of the security challenges confronting our nation. Across the country, citizens continue to look for peace and look up to their leaders and institutions for innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions that will guarantee the safety of lives and properties.
“The proposal that will be presented by the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitutional Amendment Committee of this hallowed chamber will soon be before us. It has earlier been circulated.
“They are not merely legislative exercises, but this will be a very significant contribution to the national conversation on how best to secure our communities, deepen public safety, and strengthen our federal system.
History will judge this Senate not only by the laws we pass, but also by our willingness to confront difficult national questions with courage, with patriotism, and with foresight. Today’s deliberation, therefore, offers us such a moment.”
Insisting on putting the welfare of Nigerians before personal interests, the Senate President pointed out, “Whatever our individual perspectives may be on this bill, which was actually sent to us as an executive bill, we must approach the debate with open minds, guided solely by the national interests, constitutional principles, and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people.
“This chamber has always distinguished itself as a forum for robust, informed, and constructive debates.
“I therefore encourage all distinguished senators to make their contributions freely, respectfully, and thoughtfully to the Constitution and to have in mind the constitutional importance of ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties.
“Let us draw from our diverse experiences, regional perspectives, and collective wisdom to ensure that the outcome of our deliberations today and the outcome of our voting today will meet the aspirations of all Nigerians and secure not just the homes but the entirety of the country.
“The decisions we take will have the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, and intergovernmental relations in Nigeria for generations to come.
“I dare say that this has never been done since independence in 1960. We must therefore proceed with the seriousness, the diligence, and the sense of responsibility that this moment demands of all of us.
“Therefore, on behalf of the leadership of the Senate, I want to thank all distinguished colleagues and particularly the Constitution Amendment Committee that have toiled for over two years to arrive at today’s final decision.
“I want to commend the presence of distinguished senators in their numbers, your dedication to this all-important national assignment, and the fact that you all had to sacrifice your break to make it here to show the importance of this bill and also to exhibit your patriotism and your sense of duty.
God will bless you and take you back if you are in your vocation in the name of God. May our deliberations advance the cause of national unity, strengthen our democracy, and contribute meaningfully to a safer and more secure Nigeria.”
Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), in his contribution, called for a closed session before the debate on the state police bill would commence.
