Tinubu sends State Police Bill to Senate, Akpabio promises fast passage

President Bola Tinubu yesterday formally transmitted the State Police Bill to the Senate, and the upper chamber has already signalled they will fast-track it. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians that safeguards will be built in to stop governors from misusing state police formations.

Akpabio stated, "Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing. This is the first time we are taking that step." He referred the bill to the Constitution Review Committee chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, with a report due today.

Funding is already a flashpoint — some governors are arguing that the proposed 3% of FAAC revenues cannot even cover salaries. Debate was deferred yesterday after the death of House member Hon. Yaya Tongo, but the Senate says they will invoke accelerated procedures to conclude before recess. Will state police finally happen, or will it get stuck in the usual Nigerian legislative limbo?