The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, with 22 of the 25 lawmakers voting in favour of the proposed amendment, seeking to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services in Nigeria.
The bill was passed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with 22 of the 25 members of the Assembly voting in favour, while three members were absent during plenary.
The passage followed deliberations by lawmakers on the proposed constitutional amendments and the need for a decentralised policing system to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering and enhance the protection of lives and property across Cross River State. Contributing to the debate, the Leader of the House and member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, emphasised the importance of bringing policing closer to the people.
He noted that a decentralised policing system could improve security responses and help address security challenges peculiar to communities at the grassroots.
Similarly, the member representing Yala I State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey, stressed the need for effective coordination between state and federal security agencies to ensure that the proposed State Police Services complement existing security structures and improve overall security operations.
The Deputy Leader of the House and member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Eta, highlighted the importance of adequate safeguards, accountability and professionalism in the proposed framework.
He maintained that state police must operate within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly’s decision reflected its commitment to supporting constitutional reforms aimed at addressing security challenges and protecting lives and property.
He emphasised that the implementation of state policing must be guided by the rule of law, accountability and democratic principles.
“By this vote, the 10th Assembly has demonstrated its support for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services,” Ayambem said.
According to the information provided by the Assembly, the bill contains 26 clauses and proposes 25 alterations through substitutions to provisions of the principal Act.
Sections listed for amendment include Sections 84(4), 89(2), 121(3), 124(4), 109(2), 153(1), 157(2), 158(1) and 160.
The passage marks the Cross River State House of Assembly’s endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendments intended to pave the way for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.
The bill’s passage at the state level represents a step in the constitutional amendment process; it does not, by itself, establish an operational state police service.
SNOW TV NEWS EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT
The passage of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, by the Cross River State House of Assembly has renewed attention on the push for state police in Nigeria. With 22 lawmakers voting in favour, the decision reflects support for a decentralised policing system that could bring security operations closer to local communities.
However, the success of state police will depend on more than constitutional approval. Clear safeguards must be established to prevent abuse of power, protect citizens’ fundamental rights, ensure professionalism and promote effective coordination with federal security agencies.
As the constitutional amendment process continues, lawmakers must prioritise accountability, adequate funding and strict oversight. The ultimate test of state police will not be the passage of legislation, but its ability to improve public safety and earn the trust of the people.
SNOW TV NEWS POSITION: The move places decentralised policing on the reform agenda, but its implementation must be guided by the rule of law, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Nigerian Media Personality, Music Artist, Producer, Blogger and a Relationship Coach. He is a publisher specializing in Nigerian current affairs, politics, and lifestyle news. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV} he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
