Senators Reach Consensus on Local Govt Autonomy, Disagree on State Police

Senators Reach Consensus on Local Govt Autonomy, Disagree on State Police

By Fly Cable News

Senators have unanimously agreed to incorporate full autonomy for local governments into Nigeria’s constitution but remain divided on the establishment of state police to address security concerns.

During a retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre in Kano, senators from the Southeast and South-South regions advocated for the creation of additional states.

The decision to grant local governments autonomy follows concerns over state governors’ abuse of their roles, reinforced by a recent Supreme Court ruling. Senate leaders emphasized that local government independence is overdue, calling for independent oversight of their elections to prevent state interference.

While there was strong support for local government autonomy, senators expressed differing views on state police.

Proponents argued that state police could effectively combat insecurity, while opponents feared potential misuse by state governors against political rivals. Additionally, senators highlighted the need for more states in the Southeast to achieve equitable representation in the country.