Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged serving and former governors not to fear the proposed establishment of state police, assuring that constitutional safeguards would be built into the system to prevent abuse.

His remarks followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s submission of the State Police Bill, 2026 to the Senate for consideration as part of broader constitutional reforms.

Addressing lawmakers during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio described the proposal as a landmark initiative, noting that Nigeria has hesitated to decentralise policing since independence.

“Since 1960, Nigeria has not had the courage to decentralise policing. This is the first time we are taking that step,” he said.

The Senate President stressed that the implementation would be gradual and carefully structured to ensure accountability.

“We will do it in phases, beginning with constitutional alteration. We must ensure there are adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.”

He specifically reassured governors that the proposed system would not become a tool for political persecution.

“Even current governors who will one day leave office should not be afraid of the state police structure they helped create. That is why there will be many safeguards built into the system.”

Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele called on all senators to be present for deliberations on the constitutional amendment, emphasising that approval requires the support of at least two-thirds of members.

“The issue of state police cuts across all political parties and geopolitical zones. It is a national issue, and we must mobilise all our colleagues to participate in this historic decision,” Bamidele said.