The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police, with 23 lawmakers voting in favour.
The approval followed a request by the National Assembly for state legislatures to consider the proposed Sixth Alteration Bill as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
Leading the debate, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi said state police would strengthen the protection of lives and property by enabling state governments to establish and fund their own police services.
He said the arrangement would improve intelligence gathering, ensure faster responses to local security threats and strengthen efforts to combat insecurity.
Other lawmakers supported the proposal, citing its potential to improve community-level security and create employment opportunities.
Speaker Dennis Guwor commended the lawmakers for their support, saying improved security would boost investor confidence and promote economic growth.
He directed the clerk of the House to communicate the assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
