The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives on Thursday walked out of plenary after lawmakers passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police, alleging that the amendment process breached constitutional provisions and the House Standing Orders.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Chairman of the Minority Caucus, Frederick Agbedi, said the opposition supported the creation of state police but rejected the procedure used to pass the bill.
Agbedi argued that constitutional amendment bills must be considered clause by clause, with each provision securing the support of at least two-thirds of lawmakers, rather than being decided through a voice vote.
He said the caucus had earlier discussed proposed amendments with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and expected to present them during consideration of the bill. However, he alleged that members were denied the opportunity to move amendments or vote individually.
He added that the Minority Leader was ruled out of order while attempting to raise a constitutional point of order, prompting the caucus to stage a walkout.
Also addressing journalists, Minority Caucus spokesperson Afam Ogene alleged that the House failed to comply with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for altering the Constitution.
Ogene further argued that the House should have relied on its attendance register to determine whether the constitutionally required number of lawmakers participated in the exercise.
The Minority Caucus maintained that its protest was directed at the legislative process and not the substance of the bill.
The lawmakers reaffirmed their support for state police as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges but insisted that constitutional amendments must strictly follow due process.
The protest highlights continuing concerns over legislative procedure as the proposed constitutional amendment moves to the Senate for consideration.
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