Speakers to Seek Governors’ Input Before Decision on State Police, Declares Guwor

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said yesterday that the state Houses of Assembly would consult governors before taking final positions on the proposed State Police Bill.

Guwor said the consultation would help lawmakers and governors harmonise their views on the proposed framework for state policing.

He spoke while reacting to the announcement by Clerk to the National Assembly that the constitution review bills, including the State Police Bill, had been transmitted to the state legislatures.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor said the speakers had taken note of the development but were still awaiting the formal copies of the resolutions.

“We are still awaiting formal transmission and as soon as we receive it, we will do what will be good for the people of Nigeria,” he said.

Guwor said the conference would subject the bills to thorough legislative scrutiny after receiving them.

He said the state police proposal required careful consideration because of its implications for governance at the state level.

Guwor stated that the proposed engagement with Nigeria Governors’ Forum was necessary because governors and state lawmakers had constitutional responsibilities in the process of amending the constitution.

He assured that all speakers would be carried along throughout the process and the resolutions of the state legislatures would be transmitted to the National Assembly in line with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.