RismadarVoice Reporters, June 24, 2026
The Nigerian Senate, on Wednesday admitted governors and other senior government officials into its chamber to witness deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill.
The decision followed a motion seeking the suspension of Senate rules on floor privileges, which ordinarily restrict access to the chamber to serving senators, while visitors observe proceedings from the gallery.
The initial motion was put to a voice vote but was rejected by the majority of lawmakers, briefly delaying proceedings as the guests waited at the entrance to the chamber.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, subsequently appealed to his colleagues to reconsider the matter, emphasising the importance of allowing key stakeholders to observe discussions on the proposed state police framework.
Senator Akpabio noted that any constitutional amendment approved by the National Assembly would still require ratification by State Houses of Assembly, making it necessary for governors and other stakeholders to follow the proceedings firsthand.
He also pointed out that the bill under consideration is an Executive Bill and that many of the guests were members of the Executive arm of government.
Following the appeal, the Senate Leader moved a fresh motion seeking the suspension of Order 12 of the Senate Rules on Floor Privileges to permit the visitors to enter the chamber as strangers.
Those admitted included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the governors of Kaduna, Ogun and Ondo states; state attorneys-general; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research; and the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, among other stakeholders.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended Senator Akpabio’s leadership, describing the move as one that would promote inclusiveness and unity in the consideration of the state police proposal.
Following reconsideration of the motion, the Senate approved the request, paving the way for the governors and other invited officials to witness proceedings on the proposed legislation.
