Delta Assembly approves State Police Bill

The sixth Alteration Bill of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to provide for the establishment of State Police Services, was on Tuesday approved by the Delta State House of Assembly.

The approval followed a letter from the National Assembly seeking the consideration and concurrence of the 36 States Houses of Assembly in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

The letter, which was read on the floor by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, outlined the objective of the Bill, which seeks to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services while preserving the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service.

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Leading the debate on the merits of the Bill, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, said the proposed amendment aims to guarantee security of lives and property through a dual policing system, allowing states to establish and fund their own police services to address rising cases of insecurity, particularly at the local level.

Other lawmakers who spoke in favour of the Bill affirmed their support, noting that it would strengthen local intelligence gathering, improve response to security challenges, create employment opportunities and help tackle insecurity at the grassroots.

The Bill received unanimous support, as 23 members present at plenary, through a head count, voted in its favour.

In his remarks after the approval, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, commended members for their support and patriotism, noting that the establishment of State Police would go a long way in strengthening grassroots policing and creating a safer environment for investment and development to thrive in Delta State in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, I commend you for approving the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, in line with Section 9, subsection (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“This is a significant step towards the establishment of State Police in Nigeria. It brings us closer to a policing system that is more responsive to our communities, improves intelligence gathering, and strengthens our capacity to tackle security challenges.

“For Delta State, this reform holds great promise for protecting lives and property, sustaining peace and creating a safer environment for investment and development in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori.

“I congratulate this Honourable House on this important resolution. May our collective efforts continue to advance peace, security and good governance in Delta State and Nigeria in general,” Guwor stated.

The Speaker thereafter directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Otto Aghoghophia, to communicate the resolution of the Delta State House of Assembly to the National Assembly accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Speaker at plenary announced the appointment of the Member representing Udu Constituency, Hon.Arthur Okolosi, as Chairman, House Committee on Trade and Investment, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Works, and member of several other Standing Committees.

Earlier at plenary, the House observed a one-minute silence in honour of former Governor of Delta, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026.