Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu has told Nigerians that the long-awaited law backing state police is close. He said the House of Representatives will vote on the constitutional amendment this Thursday.
Speaking to Parliamentary Correspondents after Wednesday’s plenary on security, Kalu said protecting lives and property is not only the executive’s job. He argued that all three arms of government share that duty, and the legislature must use its tools to close gaps in the security system.
He explained that lawmakers agree the current law is not delivering results. Leaving Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution untouched, they concluded, will not meet Nigerians’ expectations for an end to insecurity. 
To fix that, the House has decided to make “unbundling security response time” a priority. State policing sits at the center of the plan. Kalu said the structure has already been agreed with the IGP and his team.
The Deputy Speaker was flanked by the 36 caucus leaders of the House, including the FCT, plus regional and zonal leaders. He said consensus among key stakeholders is done. The executive and the 36 governors have also bought into the idea.
However, Kalu stressed that the 1999 Constitution as it stands cannot create state police. Section 214 would need consequential amendments before it can happen. That is what the House will vote on.
In a direct quote, Kalu announced: “We are here to announce to Nigerians that hope is coming… by tomorrow, we’ll be voting on the constitution and we’ll be prioritizing state police.” He dismissed reports that anyone was trying to stall it, saying “Parliament is marching forward.”
He added that after the National Assembly passes it, the bill goes to the 36 state Houses of Assembly. He’s confident they will act fast because governors’ “body language” supports state police. Kalu also recalled members on oversight duties nationwide, calling it an “emergency situation” so all members can be present for the vote.
