Cross River State Police Bill was passed with 22 Votes
The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, 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.
Lawmakers Back Decentralised Policing
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.
Ayambem Says Assembly Supports Constitutional Reform
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.
Bill Proposes 25 Constitutional Alterations
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.
Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
October 20, 2026
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