Rivers Assembly Backs State Police Bill

The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services.

All 25 members of the Assembly voted in favour of the proposed amendment during plenary on Monday, following consultations with their constituents.

The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, said the lawmakers’ decision followed consultations and reflected their support for the establishment of policing at the subnational level to complement the Nigeria Police Force.

He said state police would provide additional support for the protection of lives and property while working alongside the federal police.

Amaewhule said the proposed amendment would create a constitutional pathway for states to establish their own police services, subject to the Constitution and national minimum standards prescribed by the National Assembly.

Under the proposal, the Federal Police Service would continue to operate across the country, while states would be empowered to establish State Police Services in accordance with legislation and prescribed requirements.

The development followed the transmission of the constitutional amendment bill by the National Assembly to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval.

For the amendment to proceed under the constitutional process, it requires approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly after passage by the National Assembly.

The Rivers Assembly’s endorsement adds to the consideration of the State Police Bill by state legislatures across the country as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.