By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Senate is poised to take far-reaching decisions on a series of constitutional amendment proposals, including the establishment of state police services and 10 other reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s governance, justice system, electoral process, and traditional institutions.
Among the major proposals before lawmakers is a constitutional amendment that would place the Armed Forces of the Federation on a first-line charge, granting the military direct access to funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to ensure more predictable and uninterrupted financing.
The Senate is also expected to consider granting constitutional recognition and financial autonomy to traditional rulers through the creation of State Councils of Traditional Rulers, a move proponents say would strengthen the role of traditional institutions in governance and conflict resolution.
Another significant proposal seeks to introduce independent candidacy for governorship, legislative and local government elections, allowing eligible Nigerians to contest elections without political party affiliation.
Lawmakers will further deliberate on the establishment of a constitutionally-backed Electoral Offences Commission with powers to investigate and prosecute election-related crimes, a reform aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and accountability.
In the area of criminal justice, the amendment package includes a provision requiring courts to automatically commute death sentences imposed on pregnant women to life imprisonment once pregnancy is established to the satisfaction of the court.
The Senate will also examine a proposal to prohibit the public parade of criminal suspects by law enforcement agencies. The amendment seeks to classify the practice as a form of inhuman and degrading treatment while reinforcing the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of law.
Beyond these measures, lawmakers are expected to consider additional reforms aimed at strengthening local government autonomy, expanding protections for children’s rights, enhancing the independence of electoral institutions, devolving more powers to states, improving fiscal accountability, and providing stronger constitutional backing for key democratic institutions.
The proposed amendments form part of ongoing efforts to review the nation’s constitution and address longstanding governance, security and democratic challenges. If approved, the reforms could mark one of the most significant constitutional overhauls in recent years.
