President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, 24 June, 2026 urged lawmakers to approach debate on the bill for the establishment of state police with open minds, guided solely by national interests, constitutional principles and the collective welfare of citizens.
Akpabio made the call at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday, 24 June, 2026 in Abuja.
The Upper Chamber was due to consider the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of state police and for related matters.
Akpabio said the Senate must put national interest above personal views as it deliberates on the constitutional amendment bill.
“We must approach the debate with open minds, guided solely by the national interests, constitutional principles and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people.
“Whatever our individual perspectives may be on this bill which was actually sent to us as an executive bill, we must approach the debate with open minds, guided solely by the national interests, constitutional principles and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people.”
Akpabio urged the lawmakers to bear in mind the Senate’s tradition of robust discourse, urging them to contribute freely but respectfully.
“This chamber has always distinguished itself as a forum for robust, informed and constructive debates.
“I, therefore, encourage all distinguished senators to make their contributions freely, respectfully, and thoughtfully to the Constitution and to have in mind the constitutional importance of ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties,” he said.
“Let us draw from our diverse experiences, regional perspectives and collective wisdom to ensure that the outcome of our deliberations today and the outcome of our voting today will meet the aspirations of all Nigerians and secure not just the homes but the entirety of the country.”he Senate president called on the lawmakers to draw from their diverse backgrounds in reaching a decision that would stand the test of time.
“The decisions we take will have the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, and intergovernmental relations in Nigeria for generations to come. I dare say that this has never been done since independence in 1960,” Akpabio said.
He charged the senators to approach the task with the gravity it deserved.
“We must therefore proceed with the seriousness, the diligence and the sense of responsibility that this moment demands of all of us,” he said.
Akpabio also appreciated the Constitution Amendment Committee and the lawmakers for their sacrifice and dedication.
“Therefore, on behalf of the leadership of the Senate, I want to thank all distinguished colleagues and particularly the constitution amendment committee that has toiled for more than two years to arrive at today’s final decision.
“I want to commend the presence of distinguished senators in their numbers, your dedication to this all-important national assignment and the fact that you all had to sacrifice your break in order to make it here to show the importance of this bill and also to exhibit your patriotism and your sense of duty,” the Senate President said.
He said Senate membership and the constitutional threshold required for the bill have been met.
“Now, distinguished colleagues, at the last count, we had about 83 senators, and by the grace of God, we have just added four, making it 87.
“I am mentioning this because we are about to go into a very important duty that requires two-thirds of the Senate sitting and two-thirds of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not a quorum of the Senate, but two-thirds of the Senate,” he said.
Akpabio described the day’s plenary business as a sacred constitutional responsibility.
