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The Senate is voting on a constitutional amendment to establish state police forces across Nigeria, with lawmakers considering the bill clause by clause in a session attended by several governors and senior government officials.
The amendment, if approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, would allow for the creation of state-controlled police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Senators adopted manual voting after concerns were raised that faulty electronic voting devices could prevent some lawmakers from participating.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for manual voting, stating that the procedure would ensure transparency and full participation.
Bamidele said, “There is a need to also ensure transparency both within ourselves as people that will be performing this major constitutional responsibility, as well as members of the public.
“Rather than go by way of electronic voting, which obviously is not the case today, and disenfranchise a few or so of our colleagues whose machines are not working.
“I am moving that we give every distinguished senator the opportunity to answer his or her father’s name by doing manual voting.”
Under the arrangement, senators are required to stand individually, announce their names and openly declare their positions on each clause.
The Senate also granted access to the chamber to several governors and senior officials, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.
An initial voice vote had rejected their admission, as Senate rules ordinarily restrict the floor to senators.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio later appealed to lawmakers to reconsider, noting that the amendment would require ratification by state Houses of Assembly and that the proposal originated from the executive branch.
Bamidele then moved a motion to suspend Order 12 of the Senate Rules, which was approved, allowing the visitors to observe the proceedings.
Barau Jibrin, the deputy president of the Senate, endorsed the motion and praised Akpabio for his inclusive leadership style.
