How Senators Reach Agreement On Local Government Autonomy, Clash Over State Police

ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA – Senators have reached a unanimous decision to grant full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria’s constitution, though they remain divided on the creation of state police as a solution to the country’s security challenges.

At a retreat held by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre in Kano, Southeast and South-South senators also pushed for the formation of additional states.

The move to ensure local government autonomy stems from growing concerns over the excessive power state governors hold, an issue highlighted by a recent Supreme Court ruling. Senate leaders stressed that local government independence is long overdue, calling for independent oversight of local elections to prevent undue influence from state governors.

Despite widespread support for local government autonomy, opinions on state police remain split.

Advocates believe it could enhance efforts to combat insecurity, while critics warn of the potential for abuse by state governors, particularly in targeting political opponents.

Senators further emphasized the need for additional states in the Southeast to ensure fair representation across the nation.