Bayelsa Lawmakers Back State Police, Unveil Two New Bills

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has given its nod to the proposed sixth constitutional amendment to the 1999 Constitution, aiming to facilitate the creation of state police services and address associated matters. This endorsement followed the transmission of the constitutional amendment bill from the National Assembly to all 36 state Houses of Assembly for their deliberation and approval.

During a plenary session, the lawmakers thoroughly reviewed the proposal within the Committee of the Whole before casting their votes in favour of the amendment. The Speaker of the House, Abraham Ingobere, whose duties were performed by the Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere, commended the members for their swift consideration and approval of the critical proposal. He hailed the decision as another landmark achievement for the Seventh Assembly, acknowledging the legislators' steadfast commitment to their legislative responsibilities.

Speaker Ingobere stated, “The approval for the proposed establishment of state police services represents a crucial milestone in the ongoing constitutional amendment journey. I commend members for their prompt attention and dedication to the legislative duties before this House.” He further added, “The active participation and valuable input from members during plenary underscore the importance we place on matters concerning governance, security, and the welfare of our citizens.” While this amendment seeks to create a legal framework for state police, its eventual implementation remains contingent on the successful completion of the constitutionally mandated amendment process.

In a separate development, the Assembly also initiated the first readings of two distinct legislative proposals: the Ijaw Cultural Heritage Bill and the Retirement Age for Magistrates and Chairmen of Customary Courts Bill, 2026. The introduction of the Ijaw Cultural Heritage Bill signals the commencement of its legislative journey, with the proposed law designed to address issues pertaining to the preservation and promotion of the rich Ijaw cultural heritage. Similarly, the Retirement Age for Magistrates and Chairmen of Customary Courts Bill, 2026, is set to undergo extensive legislative scrutiny before the House determines its subsequent stages.

The Speaker, in his concluding remarks, encouraged members to maintain their dedication to legislative duties and to the careful consideration of all bills and motions presented before the Assembly. He emphasized, “Our role as lawmakers is to meticulously consider all matters brought before the House and ensure that our legislative decisions accurately reflect the genuine interests of the populace we represent.” Both bills are now poised to advance through the various legislative stages before the Assembly can make a final decision on their passage. These recent actions highlight the House’s continuous engagement with constitutional amendments and proposed state-level legislation covering security, cultural heritage, and the administration of justice.