The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has welcomed the Senate’s second reading of the State Police Bill.

The Conference described the development as a significant step in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

In a statement on Thursday, signed by the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the Speakers said the Sen’te’s action marked an important milestone in the national discourse on policing, security and true federalism.

The Speakers reiterated their support for the proposed legislation, noting that community-based policing, when properly structured within the law, would Improve security, enhance response times and address local security challenges more effectively.

The statement said security issues are best tackled at the local level, stressing that communities deserve policing structures that understand their unique environments and concerns.

The Speakers assured Nigerians that once the bill reaches the State Houses of Assembly, as required under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, it would receive diligent consideration.

They pledged to engage stakeholders, conduct public hearings where necessary and deliberate on the proposal in the interests of national unity and the protection of lives and property.

The Conference commended the Senate for what it described as a bold step and called on all stakeholders to sustain discussions on the bill with patriotism, facts and a shared commitment to improving security across the country.

The Speakers also reaffirmed their commitment to working with the National Assembly, the Executive and other arms of government to ensure the successful passage of constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening democracy and governance in Nigeria. (The Nation)