JUST IN: State Police Bill, How NASS Caged Governors

According to a report by The Vanguard on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in a historic move to overhaul Nigeria’s security framework, the National Assembly has passed the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026.

This landmark legislation aims to end the federal monopoly on policing, allowing for the creation of State Police Services alongside the existing Federal Police Force.

While the reform is designed to decentralize security, lawmakers were acutely aware of the long-standing fear that state governors might abuse their power to silence political opponents or rig elections.

To address this, the bill incorporates strict constitutional “firewalls” intended to strip governors of their role as “executive emperors.”

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that the new law directly prohibits any governor from using police power for partisan, religious, or personal vendettas. Key protections include:

1. Operational Constraints: While governors can set general security policy, they are legally barred from ordering arrests, investigations, or the use of force against individuals or groups based on political affiliation or dissent.

2. The Escape Hatch: If a state Commissioner of Police believes a governor’s directive is unlawful, they are empowered to freeze the order and refer the matter to the National Police Council. This national body holds the final, binding authority.

3. Security of Tenure: Governors can no longer hire or fire police commissioners at will. Removal now requires a recommendation for “stated cause” from the National Police Council and a two-thirds super-majority vote from the State House of Assembly.
By forcing governors to clear these independent hurdles, the legislation aims to foster a professional, accountable security architecture.

This dual model represents a pivotal shift for Nigeria, replacing centralized command with a system designed to prioritize public safety over political control.

Credit X Naija news channel