Constitution Review, Insecurity to Dominate Senate Plenary

The Nigerian Senate resumes plenary on Tuesday, with the proposed establishment of state police, the fatal Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State and the postponed National Security Summit expected to dominate proceedings. The summit, initially scheduled for October 12 and 13, was postponed following the crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which reportedly claimed the lives of 25 officers and seven crew members. Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the decision was taken in honour of the victims and in line with the three-day national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu. The President also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said lawmakers would prioritise insecurity, economic challenges and constitutional amendments, particularly the proposed establishment of state police. He disclosed that the Senate was awaiting the return of the state police bill from the 36 state Houses of Assembly. The National Assembly transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish State Police Services, to the state assemblies on September 16 for consideration. The proposed amendment requires approval from at least two-thirds of the state assemblies before presidential assent. Lawmakers are also expected to revisit electoral reforms and assess preparations for the rescheduled National Security Summit.

#UTVAfrica#