The Cross River State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police after passing the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, with all 22 lawmakers present voting in favour.
The vote took place during plenary on Tuesday, with no member voting against the bill. Three of the Assembly’s 25 members were absent.
The bill seeks to establish a constitutional framework for State Police Services in Nigeria as part of efforts to decentralise policing and address security challenges across the country.
It contains 26 clauses and proposes 25 alterations to existing constitutional provisions, including Sections 84(4), 89(2), 121(3), 124(4), 109(2), 153(1), 157(2), 158(1) and 160.
Speaking after the vote, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the decision reflected the Assembly’s support for constitutional reforms aimed at improving security and protecting lives and property.
“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,” he said.
Ayambem, however, stressed that the implementation of state policing must be guided by the rule of law, accountability and democratic principles.
The Leader of the House and member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo, said policing should be brought closer to the people to improve responses to security threats.
He argued that a decentralised system could help address security challenges specific to grassroots communities.
The member representing Yala I State Constituency, Hon. Brian Odey, called for effective coordination between state and federal security agencies to ensure that the proposed State Police Services complemented existing security structures.
Odey said proper coordination would be necessary to improve the overall effectiveness of security operations.
Similarly, the Deputy Leader of the House and member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Eta, emphasised the need for adequate safeguards, accountability and professionalism.
He said state police must operate within the law and respect citizens’ fundamental rights.
Lawmakers also identified improved intelligence gathering and stronger protection of lives and property as potential benefits of decentralised policing.
The passage marks the Cross River Assembly’s formal endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendments. The establishment of state police will depend on the completion of the applicable constitutional amendment process.
