Minority Caucus walks out of House plenary over State Police Bill, alleges constitutional violations in passage
Minority Leader Fredrick Agbedi led the caucus in walking out during Thursday's plenary session, protesting that the State Police Bill (HB. 2797) was passed without proper constitutional procedure. According to Agbedi, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen only read the bill's long title and put it to a voice vote, skipping clause-by-clause consideration requiring two-thirds majority per Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution and House Rule 13 Rule 15(a).
The caucus insists it supports state police for security but insists due process must be followed. Speaker Abbas reported 311 lawmakers approved the bill—276 physically present, 35 voting virtually—following the Constitution Review Committee report led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. This procedural dispute delays a key security reform amid Nigeria's ongoing security challenges.
The walkout highlights tensions between security reform efforts and constitutional adherence in Nigeria's legislature. With the bill now passed despite objections, implementation faces potential legal challenges if procedures were flawed. Citizens should monitor whether courts intervene or if the House revisits the process—this could set a precedent for future constitutional amendments affecting everything from resource control to local government autonomy.