The Senate has emphasized that Nigerians, through their representatives, will decide on the adoption of state and local policing and the type of government structure.
According to Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, the Senate is committed to reflecting the views of the people.
President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with state governors aimed to establish state and community police systems, addressing security challenges.
The Senate has formed a Constitution Review committee to engage stakeholders and incorporate Nigerians’ opinions into legislative decisions, emphasizing the importance of public input in shaping laws.
Adaramodu clarified that Nigerians would determine the system of government, dismissing the idea of adopting the parliamentary system without considering public preferences.
The House of Representatives, presenting bills for constitutional amendments, seeks input from Nigerians to shape discussions on the proposed parliamentary system.
While some lawmakers support the shift, others like Oluwole Oke express concerns about potential complexities, regionalism, and the impact on federalism.
Constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome sees the proposed shift to a parliamentary system as a positive move, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and accountability compared to the current presidential system.
However, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kayode Ajulo notes the significant constitutional implications, urging careful consideration of the potential changes in governance structure and the balance of powers among branches.
Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese urges caution regarding state police adoption, citing concerns about potential anarchy and political misuse of such power.
He advocates for a thorough constitutional amendment before considering this drastic step to avoid exacerbating existing challenges.
