By Kingsley Okoye
President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio has urged lawmakers to approach debate on the bill for establishment of State Police with open minds, guided solely by national interests, constitutional principles and collective welfare of citizens.
Akpabio, made the call at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate was due to consider the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to provide for establishment of State Police and for related matters.
Akpabio said the Senate must put national interest above personal views as it deliberates on the constitutional amendment bill.
“We must approach the debate with open minds, guided solely by the national interests, constitutional principles and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people.
“Whatever our individual perspectives may be on this bill which was actually sent to us as an executive bill, we must approach the debate with open minds, guided solely by the national interests, constitutional principles and the collective welfare of the Nigerian people.”
Akpabio urged the lawmakers to bear in mind the Senate’s tradition of robust discourse, urging them to contribute freely but respectfully.
“This chamber has always distinguished itself as a forum for robust, informed and constructive debates.
“I, therefore, encourage all distinguished senators, to make their contributions freely, respectfully, thoughtfully to the Constitution and to have in mind the constitutional importance of ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties,” he said.
The Senate President called on the lawmakers to draw from their diverse backgrounds in reaching a decision that would stand the test of time.
“Let us draw from our diverse experiences, regional perspectives and collective wisdom to ensure that the outcome of our deliberations today and the outcome of our voting today will meet the aspirations of all Nigerians and secure not just the homes but the entirety of the country.”
“The decisions we take will have the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, inter-governmental relations in Nigeria for generations to come. I dare say that this has never been done since independence in 1960,” Akpabio said.
He charged the senators to approach the task with the gravity it deserved.
“We must therefore proceed with the seriousness, the diligence and the sense of responsibility that this moment demands of all of us,” he said.
Akpabio also appreciated the Constitution Amendment Committee and the lawmakers for their sacrifice and dedication.
“Therefore, on behalf of the leadership of the Senate, I want to thank all distinguished colleagues and particularly the constitution amendment committee that have toiled for more than two years to arrive at today’s final decision.”
“I want to commend the presence of distinguished senators in their numbers, your dedication to this all-important national assignment and the fact that you all had to sacrifice your break in order to make it here to show the importance of this bill and also to exhibit your patriotism and your sense of duty.”
He said senate membership and the constitutional threshold required for the bill has been met.
“Now, distinguished colleagues, at the last count, we had about 83 senators and by the grace of God, we have just added four, making it 87.
“I am mentioning this because we are about to go into a very important duty that requires two-thirds of the Senate sitting and two-thirds of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not quorum of the Senate, but two-thirds of the Senate,” he said.
Akpabio described the day’s plenary business as a sacred constitutional responsibility.
“So today presents yet another historic opportunity for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to discharge one of its most sacred constitutional responsibilities.
“The matter we are about to go into is of profound national importance concerns the consideration of a constitutional amendment seeking to provide for the establishment of State Police as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.”
“As representatives of the people, we are all aware of the security challenges confronting our nation.
“Across the country, citizens continue to look for peace and look up to their leaders and institutions for innovative, effective and sustainable solutions that will guarantee the safety of lives and properties.”
He said the proposal to be presented by the Deputy Senate President, who also chairs the Constitutional Amendment Committee, was more than a routine legislative exercise.
“The proposal that will be presented by the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitutional Amendment Committee of this hallowed chamber will soon be before us.”
Akpabio urged the Senate to confront the issue with courage and foresight.
“History will judge this Senate not only by the laws we pass, but also by our willingness to confront difficult national questions with courage, with patriotism and with foresight.” (NAN)
