The Cross River State House of Assembly has started deliberation on the proposed amendment that will pave the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
The bill was presented before the Assembly for consideration, marking the beginning of the legislative process in Cross River State.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the bill would go through the normal legislative process before the lawmakers take a final position on it.
The development comes as the issue of state police continues to attract attention across Nigeria, especially as concerns over insecurity and the need for stronger community-based security continue to grow.
Under the proposed constitutional amendment, states would have a legal framework to establish and operate their own police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The Cross River Assembly is expected to subject the bill to further consideration and deliberation before deciding on the next steps.
The move is also part of the wider national process on constitutional amendment, with state Houses of Assembly expected to consider and vote on relevant proposals.
For Cross River residents, the proposed state police system could have implications for security, particularly in rural communities where residents often depend heavily on conventional security agencies.
However, the establishment of state police would require clear rules on its powers, funding, recruitment, training and relationship with the Nigeria Police Force.
The Cross River Assembly has therefore commenced the process, with further legislative action expected before the state can take a final position on the amendment.
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