The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police, becoming the third state legislature to back the proposal after Osun and Edo.
All 25 members present voted in favor of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026) during plenary on Monday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
The National Assembly transmitted the bill to all 36 state Houses of Assembly on September 16 for consideration and approval. The proposal seeks to provide a constitutional framework for states to establish their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Amaewhule said the proposed amendment would provide a constitutional pathway for state police while allowing the National Assembly to prescribe national minimum policing standards.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, a constitutional amendment of this nature requires approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, 24 legislatures before it can proceed to the next stage.
Osun approved the proposal on September 22, while Edo followed on September 23.
The National Assembly has given the state legislatures a 30-day period to consider the proposal.
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