The Zamfara State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment seeking the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
The resolution was adopted during the Assembly’s sitting on Monday as part of the ongoing constitutional alteration process initiated by the National Assembly and transmitted to state legislatures for consideration.
Speaking at a press conference at his office on Monday evening, the Speaker of the Assembly, Isma’ila Moriki, said the proposed state police would provide additional support to existing security efforts if approved.
Moriki said the measure would complement the efforts of the Federal Government and the Zamfara State Government in tackling persistent insecurity in the state and other parts of the country.
“This will, Insha Allah, complement the efforts of Mr President and Governor Dauda Lawal in addressing the insecurity-related issues in the state and our dear country Nigeria,” he said.
The development comes amid persistent attacks and abductions by armed groups in parts of Zamfara, with communities continuing to face security challenges.
The Speaker also dismissed claims that recent political developments involving some lawmakers had affected the operations of the Assembly.
He said the House remained “stable, functional and fully engaged” in its legislative responsibilities, adding that plenary sessions had continued and matters before the Assembly were being considered.
Moriki also addressed the recent defection of some lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarifying that their political decisions were separate from disciplinary proceedings instituted against them.
According to him, the affected lawmakers were suspended on 26 February 2024, over allegations including gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House and violation of the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
He said the Assembly subsequently extended the lawmakers’ suspension on 13 May 2026, because the disciplinary matters had not been resolved.
Moriki urged the public to distinguish between the lawmakers’ political decisions and the disciplinary actions taken by the Assembly, stressing that their defection did not invalidate pending legislative or legal proceedings.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly to the rule of law, legislative integrity and the protection of public institutions.
The resolution on state police is part of the wider constitutional amendment process underway after the National Assembly sent proposed changes to state legislatures for consideration.
