Rivers State Assembly: Endorses Rivers State Constitution Sixth Alteration Bill 2026

• The Rivers State House of Assembly unanimously endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
• This bill aims to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services in Nigeria.
• Speaker Martins Amaewhule stated the move aligns with public demand for subnational policing and federal security priorities.
• The legislation includes 26 clauses and 25 alterations to sections of the principal Act.
• The National Assembly clarified that only the State Police Services Bill was sent to state assemblies for consideration.

The proposed constitutional amendment, if ultimately passed and implemented, promises to fundamentally reshape the nation's approach to law enforcement by introducing a decentralized policing model.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, a pivotal legislative proposal aimed at establishing a constitutional foundation for State Police Services across Nigeria. During a recent plenary session, all 25 members of the Assembly cast their votes in favor of the bill, a decision that followed extensive consultations with their respective constituents.

Speaker Martins Amaewhule lauded the legislators for their engagement with the public, emphasizing that these consultations were instrumental in shaping their unanimous support for the measure. He highlighted a long-standing demand among Nigerians for a decentralized policing system at the subnational level, intended to work in concert with the existing federal police structure. Amaewhule affirmed the 10th Assembly's full backing for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2026, signaling a significant step in the ongoing Nigerian policing system reform.

The Speaker further articulated that the state lawmakers' endorsement aligns with the Federal Government's overarching objective to enhance the security of lives and property nationwide. He characterized the introduction of state-level policing as a "welcomed development," expressing confidence that collaborative efforts among various state assemblies would contribute to fostering a more secure nation. This move by the Rivers State Assembly underscores a growing consensus on the need for a re-evaluation of the country's security architecture.

Delving into the specifics of the proposed legislation, Speaker Amaewhule elaborated that the Rivers State Constitution Sixth Alteration Bill 2026 is designed to forge a clear constitutional pathway for the operation of state police services, contingent upon adherence to existing constitutional provisions. He explained that the amendment, once enacted, would empower the National Assembly to define and prescribe national minimum standards for policing, ensuring a consistent baseline across different state forces.

The bill itself is comprehensive, comprising 26 distinct clauses. These clauses introduce 25 specific alterations, primarily in the form of substitutions to various sections within the principal Act. Among the key provisions slated for modification are Sections 84(4), 89(2), 121(3), 124(4), 109(2), 153(1), 157(2), 158(1), and 160. This detailed restructuring aims to integrate state policing seamlessly into the existing legal framework.

It is important to note that the National Assembly recently clarified the scope of the transmitted bill. Contrary to some earlier reports suggesting a broader package of constitutional alterations, the National Assembly confirmed that only the State Police Services Bill had been forwarded to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for their consideration. This clarification ensures that legislative focus remains squarely on the proposed changes to the Nigerian policing system reform. Prior to Rivers State's vote, the Osun State House of Assembly had already become the first state legislature to approve this significant constitutional amendment.

The unanimous backing by the Rivers State Assembly for the Rivers State Constitution Sixth Alteration Bill 2026 signifies a crucial moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding Nigeria's security apparatus. The proposed constitutional amendment, if ultimately passed and implemented, promises to fundamentally reshape the nation's approach to law enforcement by introducing a decentralized policing model. This shift is envisioned to create a more robust and responsive security environment, with state police forces complementing the federal structure rather than replacing it entirely.

The endorsement by Speaker Martins Amaewhule and his colleagues reflects a broader national aspiration for improved security outcomes, acknowledging the limitations of a solely centralized policing system in a diverse and populous country. The move towards state police, as outlined in the bill, represents a significant step in addressing long-standing calls for a more localized and effective response to crime and public safety concerns. This legislative journey, from state assembly endorsements to potential federal enactment, highlights a concerted effort towards a comprehensive Nigerian policing system reform designed to foster a more efficiently secured nation.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Nigeria should closely monitor the legislative progress of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026. Its eventual passage and implementation will fundamentally reshape the country's policing structure, necessitating a review of legal strategies related to criminal defense, corporate security, and compliance with law enforcement practices at the state level.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper.