The Imo State House of Assembly has unanimously approved the Constitution Amendment Bill for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity and strengthen local security architecture.`
The Imo State House of Assembly has officially approved the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), to provide for the establishment of State Police.
This landmark decision was taken during plenary on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Assembly Complex in Owerri.
The approval makes Imo State one of the states to join the growing list of states supporting the decentralization of Nigeria's security architecture, following concerns that the centralized policing system can no longer adequately respond to rising security threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
House Leader Leads Debate
Leading the debate, the Leader of the House and Member Representing Owerri-West State Constituency, Hon. Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi (Dele-Young), said the approval was necessary to strengthen the country's security system and better protect lives and property.
According to him, the National Assembly had transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill to all State Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval by resolution, in line with constitutional requirements which stipulate that State Assemblies must give consent by a two-thirds majority for the process to be completed.
Hon. Onyemaechi explained that once established, State Police will complement the Nigeria Police Force by strengthening security coordination at both state and community levels.
He noted that effective policing is always local, as practiced in advanced countries, and tackling insecurity from the grassroots will help nip banditry and kidnapping in the bud and create employment for youths.
22 Lawmakers Support Motion
The motion, which was seconded by the Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-East, Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri, received overwhelming support from 22 other lawmakers who all contributed meaningfully.
The lawmakers argued that insecurity is a local problem that is best tackled by people who understand the security architecture of their immediate locality.
Members who supported the bill include:
- Hon. Sir Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal)
- Hon. Engr. Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu (Oguta)
- Hon. Barr. Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre)
- Hon. Engr. Johnson Duru (Ideato-South)
- Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh (Obowo)
- Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri (Oru-East)
- Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli)
- Hon. Dr. Ikenna Ihezuo (Orlu)
- Hon. Sam Osuji (Isiala Mbano)
- Hon. Kelechi Ofurum (Owerri-North)
- Hon. Ozioma Ebonine (Njaba)
- Hon. Dr. Uzoma Osuoha (Ohaji/Egbema)
- Hon. Engr. Bernard Ozoemelam (Ehime Mbano)
- Hon. Princewill Amuchie (Aboh-Mbaise)
- Hon. Okey Udeze (Ideato-North)
- Hon. Johnleona Iheoha (Ikeduru)
- Hon. Dr. Obinna Egu (Ngor-Okpala)
- Hon. Engr. Uche Agabige (Orsu)
- Hon. Dr. Henry Agbasonu (Ezinihitte Mbaise)
- Hon. Barr. Emeka Ozurumba (Isu)
- Hon. Chief Chidiebere Ogbunikpa (Okigwe)
Speaker Rules
Following the robust debate, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, who presided over the plenary, put the motion to vote and it was unanimously adopted.
He thereafter ruled:
"Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Approve The Bill For An Act To Alter Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) To Provide For The Establishment Of State Police Services And For Related Matters."
The Clerk of the House was directed to communicate the Resolution to the Clerk of the National Assembly for further legislative action.
With this approval, Imo State has contributed to the ongoing process of securing the required legislative support from the states for the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.
What is your opinion? Do you think State Police will solve insecurity in Imo State? Drop your comments below.
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