Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday told senators to put national interest above partisan considerations as the Red Chamber began debate on the State Police Establishment Bill, calling it a defining moment for Nigeria’s security.
Opening plenary, Akpabio described the constitutional amendment as a matter of “profound national importance” that would determine the future of policing and public safety.
“In the peace, order, security, and good governance of our nation, the matter we are about to go into is of profound national importance,” he said.
The bill, an executive proposal transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, is being led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
Akpabio said the amendment had been circulated to all senators and represents a critical step toward decentralizing security and strengthening the federal system.
“This Senate will be judged not only by the laws we pass but also by our willingness to confront difficult national questions with courage, patriotism, and foresight.
“Today’s deliberation offers us such a moment. Whatever our individual perspectives may be, we must approach the debate guided solely by national interest, constitutional principles, and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Urging “free, respectful, and thoughtful” contributions, Akpabio said the vote scheduled for Wednesday could reshape policing in Nigeria for decades.
“This has never been done since independence in 1960. The decisions we take will have the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, and security in Nigeria for generations to come.
“We must therefore proceed with the seriousness, diligence, and sense of responsibility that this moment demands of all of us,” he said.
He commended the Constitutional Amendment Committee for nearly two years of work and praised senators who cut short their recess to attend, calling it “an act of patriotism”.
“God will bless you and take you back safely if you were on vacation,” he added.
