Security and local governance in Ebonyi State have taken a significant step forward following a decisive legislative move by the state lawmakers. During Tuesday’s plenary session, the Ebonyi House of Assembly threw its full weight behind the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services, aligning with the transmission sent down from the National Assembly.
All twenty-four members of the assembly voted in favor of the bill after extensive deliberations and wide consultations with their respective constituents. The proposed legislation is designed to alter the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal backing for sub-national policing while maintaining the federal-level Nigeria Police Force.
The Speaker of the House, Moses Odunwa, noted that the unanimous decision reflects the assembly’s firm commitment to driving constitutional reforms that will drastically strengthen the state’s security architecture. Emphasizing the practical benefits of the move, Odunwa pointed out that establishing state police services will considerably boost access to criminal intelligence while ensuring better protection for lives and property across the state. He added that local policing has been an age-long aspiration for the people of Ebonyi, noting that the state had earlier articulated its strong support during the public hearings organized by the National Assembly on constitutional review.
Reiterating these sentiments, the Leader of the House, Kingsley Ikoro, representing Afikpo North West under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, stressed that decentralizing the security apparatus will massively increase available manpower. Other lawmakers, including Victor Nwoke and Oluchukwu Ezeali, weighed in during the debates, arguing that bringing law enforcement closer to the grassroots is vital for tackling crime and responding swiftly to security threats unique to local communities.
With the legislative hurdle cleared within the state, Speaker Odunwa directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Uche Edene, to immediately and formally transmit the assembly’s resolutions back to the National Assembly for the next steps in the constitutional amendment process.
