STATE POLICE, MINERS’ DEATHS TO FEATURE AS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RESUMES

The proposed establishment of state police and the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are expected to receive attention as the National Assembly resumes plenary.

The lawmakers resumed on Tuesday after a recess, with the constitutional amendment process expected to be among the priorities before both chambers.

The National Assembly transmitted the State Police Services Bill to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on September 16 for consideration and approval. The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police services.

The legislature said the state police proposal was the only constitutional amendment bill transmitted to state legislatures so far, while other proposed amendments would be forwarded after both chambers pass them in identical form.

Lawmakers are also expected to examine the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State on September 17.

The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident, while 24 NSCDC personnel have been detained in connection with the deaths.

The National Assembly’s deliberations are expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the broader issues of security, policing and accountability.