By Abigail David

ABUJA — The Senate on Wednesday commenced manual voting on a proposed constitutional amendment seeking the establishment of state police across Nigeria, marking a significant stage in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

Lawmakers are voting clause by clause on the bill, which aims to decentralise policing and strengthen security management at the subnational level amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country.

Among dignitaries present in the Senate chamber to observe the proceedings were Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The Senate adopted manual voting after concerns that malfunctioning electronic devices could prevent some lawmakers from participating in the process. Under the arrangement, senators are required to stand individually, announce their names and publicly state their positions on the proposed legislation.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who moved the motion for manual voting, said the measure was necessary to ensure transparency and prevent any senator from being disenfranchised. The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

The chamber also reversed an earlier decision and approved the admission of governors and other senior government officials to observe the debate. The request had initially been rejected through a voice vote in line with Senate rules restricting access to the chamber floor.

Proceedings were briefly delayed as invited guests waited outside the chamber before Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed to lawmakers to reconsider the decision.

Akpabio argued that governors should be allowed to witness the deliberations, noting that any amendment creating state police would require approval by state Houses of Assembly. He also emphasised that the proposal originated from the executive arm of government.

Following the appeal, the Senate suspended relevant provisions of its rules and approved the admission of the invited officials, allowing them to observe the ongoing clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.

If approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by the required number of state legislatures, the amendment would pave the way for the establishment of state-controlled police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

By Abigail David

ABUJA — A war of words erupted on Tuesday between the Presidency and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, after he urged President Bola Tinubu to consider resigning over what he described as unfulfilled campaign promises and worsening economic conditions.

Obi’s remarks followed reports that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to step down amid growing public dissatisfaction with his administration.

In a post on X titled “Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility,” Obi said leaders should take responsibility when they fail to meet public expectations. He argued that Tinubu should emulate Starmer by considering resignation if he is unable to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and improve citizens’ living standards.

The former Anambra State governor said he closely follows global political developments to understand how successful nations respond to governance challenges and public accountability.

According to Obi, Starmer’s decision was influenced by concerns over economic stagnation, rising living costs, and public perceptions that key campaign promises had not been fulfilled.

Responding, the Presidency dismissed Obi’s call, describing it as childish, hollow and lacking substance. Presidential aides maintained that the Tinubu administration remains focused on implementing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving national development.

The exchange adds to the growing political debate over the performance of the current administration as parties and political figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Abigail David

The Nigeria Police Force has completed security deployments across all 2,545 polling units in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Security, CP Shogule Abayomi, said a multi-layered security strategy had been put in place to ensure a peaceful, credible and hitch-free electoral process.

According to him, security personnel and operational assets have been strategically deployed to polling units and other designated locations to protect voters, electoral officials, election observers and sensitive election materials throughout the exercise.

Abayomi added that the security arrangement also covers critical infrastructure, major entry and exit routes, border communities and other strategic locations across the state.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, had directed that all officers deployed for election duties conduct themselves professionally, impartially and in strict compliance with the law.

The police warned that electoral offences and any acts capable of undermining the integrity of the election would attract appropriate sanctions under the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.

Abayomi urged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the election and exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation. He also cautioned against the spread of false or unverified information that could create panic or disrupt public order.

To enhance public safety and rapid response during the election, the police announced a dedicated emergency line, 080062335577, for reporting security concerns throughout the voting period.

The Ekiti governorship election is expected to feature candidates from 13 political parties competing for the state’s highest office.