House of Reps Pushes for State Police, Special Legislative Seats—Power Grab or Reform?

In a move that has ignited fierce debate, the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 25, approved a controversial set of constitutional amendment bills, including the creation of state and local government police and the allocation of special legislative seats for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other marginalized groups.

The amendments—part of a sweeping 39-bill reform package—were shockingly passed without debate, raising concerns about transparency and potential hidden agendas. Critics argue that the push for state-controlled police could lead to widespread abuse by governors, turning regional security forces into political tools for oppression. Others question whether the move to create special legislative seats is a genuine step toward inclusivity or a political maneuver to gain favor with advocacy groups.

The bills, sponsored by lawmakers from Delta and Ekiti States, now move to the Committee on Review of the Constitution for further scrutiny. While some hail the proposals as long-overdue reforms, others see them as a dangerous expansion of political power that could reshape Nigeria’s governance structure in ways that benefit the elite while exposing ordinary citizens to new risks.

As the nation awaits the next phase of legislative debate, the big question remains—are these amendments truly for the people, or a calculated power play disguised as reform?