The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to provide for the establishment of State Police Services.
The approval followed a letter from the National Assembly seeking the concurrence of the 36 State Houses of Assembly in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The letter, read on the floor by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the Bill seeks to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service.
Leading the debate, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, said the amendment aims to guarantee security of lives and property through a dual policing system, enabling states to establish and fund their own police services to address rising insecurity, particularly at the local level.
Other lawmakers who spoke supported the Bill, noting that it would strengthen local intelligence gathering, improve response to security challenges, create jobs and tackle insecurity at the grassroots.
The Bill received unanimous approval, with 23 members present voting in favour.
In his remarks, Speaker Guwor commended members for their patriotism, noting that State Police would strengthen grassroots policing and create a safer environment for investment and development in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.
“Distinguished colleagues, I commend you for approving the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, in line with Section 9(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).
“This is a significant step towards the establishment of State Police in Nigeria. It brings us closer to a policing system that is more responsive to our communities, improves intelligence gathering and strengthens our capacity to tackle security challenges.
“For Delta State, this reform holds great promise for protecting lives and property, sustaining peace and creating a safer environment for investment and development in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori,” Guwor said.
He directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Otto Aghoghophia, to communicate the resolution to the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Speaker announced the appointment of the member representing Udu Constituency, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, as Chairman, House Committee on Trade and Investment, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Works, and member of several other Standing Committees.
Earlier, the House observed a one-minute silence in honour of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026.
