The House of Representatives has passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police after 311 lawmakers voted in favour of the proposal, surpassing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
The bill’s passage, however, sparked a protest from members of the minority caucus, who staged a walkout, alleging that due process was not followed during its consideration.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, presided over the consideration of the committee’s report and urged lawmakers to support the legislation before the House proceeded to electronic and virtual voting.
Although the bill secured the backing of 311 lawmakers, the minority caucus rejected the procedure adopted for its passage. Led by Minority Leader Fred Agbedi, the opposition lawmakers walked out of the chamber in protest.
Addressing journalists shortly after, the minority caucus clarified that it supports the creation of state police but raised concerns over what it described as violations of the Constitution and the House Standing Orders during the legislative process.
Responding to the criticism, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, defended the process, insisting that the bill was passed in accordance with the rules of the House.
In a related development, the House also approved a bill establishing the Federal College of Fisheries Technology and Marine Engineering in Rivers State.
The House subsequently adjourned plenary until September 15, 2026.
