A dramatic scene unfolded at the Senate on Wednesday, June 24, after three state governors and President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, arrived at the National Assembly to witness proceedings on the highly anticipated State Police Bill.
The governors present were Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, all elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their appearance immediately attracted attention inside and outside the Senate chamber, with videos of the high-profile visit quickly circulating on social media and generating widespread reactions.
Why the Governors Stormed the Senate
The governors and Gbajabiamila were at the National Assembly to observe deliberations and voting on the constitutional amendment seeking the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
The bill, formally transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu, is considered one of the most significant constitutional reforms in recent years.
If approved by the National Assembly, the proposed amendment will be forwarded to the 36 state Houses of Assembly, where it must secure support from at least two-thirds of the legislatures before being returned to the president for assent.
The move is aimed at addressing growing security concerns across the country by allowing states to establish and control their own police formations.
See the video here.
Nigerians React
The presence of the governors and the presidency at the Senate sparked intense debate online.
Mohammed described the vote as a defining moment for Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The question is no longer whether Nigeria needs better security, but whether State Police is the answer. The Senate’s decision could shape the future of policing in the country for decades to come.”
Omishore urged Nigerians to support the proposal.
“Security requires absolute seriousness and collective responsibility; it is an effort that demands everyone’s active participation. Whoever chooses not to support should be considered an enemy of the country.”
De Oracle said the governors’ attendance reflected the growing political support for state policing.
“The presence of governors and the Presidency at the Senate vote shows how much political momentum state police have gained. The real test isn’t passing the bill, it’s building a system that improves security without creating 36 political police forces.”
Olanrewaju Yakub questioned why governors from some regions affected by insecurity were absent.
“Where are the governors of the South-East, Middle Belt and other affected states? There must be a unified message from the subnationals about their readiness to take over security in their states.”
Abubakar Imam also raised concerns about the absence of some northern governors.
“How will you know Arewa is serious? Where are Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and others? Those states most affected by insecurity are nowhere to be found.”
State Police Bill Gains Momentum
The appearance of key political figures at the Senate underscored the importance attached to the State Police Bill by both the federal government and state governments.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the constitutional amendment process could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security structure and redefine the relationship between the federal government and the states.
The Senate’s deliberation is expected to be closely watched across the country as lawmakers decide on a proposal many consider long overdue.
