Approach State Police Bill with patriotic zeal, Akpabio urges lawmakers

By Kingsley Okoye

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to approach debate on the bill for establishment of State Police with open minds, guided solely by national interests, constitutional principles and collective welfare of citizens.

Akpabio, made the call at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate was due to consider the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to provide for establishment of State Police and for related matters.

Akpabio said the Senate must put national interest above personal views as it deliberates on the constitutional amendment bill.

“We must approach the debate with open minds, guided solely by the national interests, constitutional principles and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people.

“Whatever our individual perspectives may be on this bill which was actually sent to us as an executive bill, we must approach the debate with open minds, guided solely by the national interests, constitutional principles and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people.”

Akpabio urged the lawmakers to bear in mind the Senate’s tradition of robust discourse, urging them to contribute freely but respectfully.

“This chamber has always distinguished itself as a forum for robust, informed and constructive debates.

“I, therefore, encourage all distinguished senators, to make their contributions freely, respectfully, thoughtfully to the Constitution and to have in mind the constitutional importance of ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties,” he said.

The Senate President called on the lawmakers to draw from their diverse backgrounds in reaching a decision that would stand the test of time.

“Let us draw from our diverse experiences, regional perspectives and collective wisdom to ensure that the outcome of our deliberations today and the outcome of our voting today will meet the aspirations of all Nigerians and secure not just the homes but the entirety of the country.”

“The decisions we take will have the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, inter-governmental relations in Nigeria for generations to come. I dare say that this has never been done since independence in 1960,” Akpabio said.

He charged the senators to approach the task with the gravity it deserved.