A 37-member committee to examine the 1999 constitution has been announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group will be chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
One Rep from each geopolitical zone as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will be on the committee.
The committee will specifically examine rules pertaining to state police and artificial intelligence, among other areas. and is scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday of next week.
The country’s struggles with rising kidnapping and banditry have fueled the call for state police, which has gained momentum in recent times.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elected governors, echoing the views of various regional socio-political groups, have emphasized state policing as a workable solution to Nigeria’s security quagmire.
There have been concerns expressed about the country’s trajectory, with some drawing comparisons to Venezuela’s dire circumstances. States from various geopolitical zones have taken proactive measures to handle security issues within their borders.
The increasing need for specialized security apparatus is reflected in initiatives like the Benue Guards in the North Central region, the Amotekun in the South-West, and the Ebube Agu in the South East.
However, the lack of federal support and endorsement places restrictions on these activities.
The inability of these state-sponsored security units to carry assault rifles—like the AK-47—that are required to take on armed criminals is one of their main problems.
States contend that issuing these licenses is necessary to improve their ability to successfully counter armed threats.
The impending inauguration of the constitution review committee is a critical step in tackling Nigeria’s complex security issues.
The committee hopes to map out a course toward a more resilient and adaptable security architecture that is in line with the changing demands of the country by holding in-depth conversations on state policing and associated issues.