…Says process lacks transparency and inclusion
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the House of Representatives over the handling of the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill, insisting that the amendment process fell short of constitutional standards and should be restarted through a transparent and inclusive legislative process.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern over reports that the constitutional voting threshold was met by counting votes allegedly sent through WhatsApp by lawmakers who were not physically present in the chamber, as well as members who had signed the attendance register but were absent when the vote was taken.
According to the ADC, such claims raise serious constitutional and legal questions, stressing that no constitutional amendment should be achieved through procedures that undermine due process.
“The Constitution is not amended by convenience,” the party said. “It must be amended through strict procedures that leave no room for improvisation. Regardless of the intentions behind the amendment, constitutional processes must not be bypassed.”
The opposition party also criticised what it described as a rushed legislative process, alleging that meaningful clause-by-clause consideration of the bill was cut short and constitutional objections raised by lawmakers were not properly addressed.
It argued that constitutional amendments require openness, extensive debate, and strict compliance with both the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House, adding that those standards appeared to have been ignored in the consideration of the State Police Bill.
Beyond the voting process, the ADC said it was equally worried that the current version of the bill had not undergone sufficient public scrutiny despite its far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s security architecture.
While acknowledging that the idea of state police has featured in previous constitutional review exercises, the party noted that the latest proposal introduces significant policy changes that Nigerians have not been given adequate opportunity to examine through a dedicated public consultation.
“It is one thing to pass a bill for political expediency,” the statement said. “It is another to ensure that it genuinely addresses the insecurity affecting communities across the country. The goal should not simply be to create another police institution, but to establish a framework capable of improving security while preventing abuse.”
The ADC warned that pushing the legislation through without broad public engagement risks producing a law shaped by political interests rather than national consensus.
It pointed to previous laws and policies that later required amendments or reversals because they were not thoroughly debated before passage, cautioning against repeating the same mistake with a constitutional amendment of such importance.
The party therefore urged the House of Representatives to recommit the State Police Bill to a legislative process that is constitutional, transparent, and inclusive.
According to the ADC, Nigeria deserves a State Police framework that enjoys public trust because it has been thoroughly debated, strengthened against abuse, and carefully designed to meet the country’s security needs before becoming part of the Constitution.
