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ASABA — The Delta State House of Assembly has approved the Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, seeking to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of State Police Services.

The approval was given at plenary on Tuesday following a request by the National Assembly for the consideration and concurrence of the 36 state Houses of Assembly as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

The letter from the National Assembly, read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, outlined the objective of the proposed amendment, which seeks to establish a constitutional framework for state police while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service.

Leading the debate, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, said the proposed reform was aimed at improving the protection of lives and property through a dual policing system that would enable states to establish and fund their own police services.

Nwaobi said the arrangement would help address rising insecurity, particularly at the grassroots, where state authorities could respond more directly to local security challenges.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate supported the proposed amendment, citing its potential to strengthen local intelligence gathering, improve responses to security threats, create employment opportunities and enhance security at the community level.

The Bill received unanimous support, with all 23 members present at plenary voting in favour through a head count.

Speaking after the approval, Guwor commended the lawmakers for their support, describing the resolution as a significant step towards establishing State Police in Nigeria.

He said the proposed reform could bring policing closer to the people, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen the country’s capacity to tackle security challenges.

“For Delta State, this reform holds great promise for protecting lives and property, sustaining peace and creating a safer environment for investment and development in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori,” the Speaker said.

Guwor added that the House’s decision was taken in accordance with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and expressed hope that the collective efforts of lawmakers would advance peace, security and good governance in Delta State and Nigeria.

He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Otto Aghoghophia, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.

In a related development, Guwor announced the appointment of the member representing Udu Constituency, Hon. Arthur Okolosi, as Chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Investment and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Works. Okolosi was also appointed a member of several other standing committees.

Earlier, the House observed a minute’s silence in honour of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died on Monday, October 19, 2026.