Delta assembly approves state police bill

Delta Speaker, Rt. Hon. Guwor Emomotimi Dennis, during plenary

The Delta State House of Assembly has approved the proposed sixth alteration to the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, with all 23 members present voting in favour.

No member voted against the proposal or abstained during plenary on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The debate was led by the House Leader during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor.

After the approval, Guwor commended the lawmakers, describing the decision as a significant step towards establishing a policing system that would respond more effectively to security challenges in local communities.

He said the proposed reform could improve intelligence gathering and strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.

“For Delta State, this reform holds great promise for protecting lives and property, sustaining peace and creating a safer environment for investment and development,” the Speaker said.

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Guwor added that the move aligned with the state government’s MORE Agenda under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the Assembly’s approval to the National Assembly for further action.

The approval forms part of the constitutional amendment process required to establish a state police.

Further action at the national level is required before the proposed reform can take effect.

PUNCH Online reports that last Thursday, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the National Policing Bill is 90 per cent ready for transmission to the National Assembly. https://punchng.com/state-police-national-policing-bill-90-ready-gbajabiamila/

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Gbajabiamila gave the update after a steering committee meeting of the Presidential Working Group at the State House, Abuja.