The Abia State Government has faulted reports claiming that the State is yet to approve the proposed State Police Bill, insisting that the House of Assembly has already passed the legislation.
Governor Alex Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, described the reports as inaccurate and misleading.
He clarified that the legislature had passed the bill as part of the constitutional reform process aimed at strengthening community-based policing and improving the security of lives and property.
The government said the development demonstrates Abia’s readiness to embrace State policing in line with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
It urged residents and media organisations to disregard the reports and rely on verified information from official government channels.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal government and other states towards the implementation of State Police, while calling on journalists to verify information before publication.
The clarification comes as the proposed State Police framework advances through the constitutional amendment process. The National Assembly had passed the bill and transmitted it to the State legislatures for approval, with at least 30 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly required to endorse it.
On Wednesday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said 30 State assemblies had approved the bill, while the Senate gave the remaining six until November 15 to communicate their decisions.