Hon. Efe Afe's bill to give legal backing to state security, scales second reading

A Bill for an Act to Alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to give legal backing to State Security Outfit to Complement the Nigeria Police Force and other Related Matters has scaled through second reading in the House of Representatives.

The Bill is sponsored by the Member Representative Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal constituency, Hon Efe Afe.

Leading the debate, Hon. Efe Afe, stated that the Bill seeks to provide community security outfits to assist the Nigerian police in different communities of Nigeria as the pockets of violence seem to have overwhelmed and overstretched the police personnel.

Hon. Afe, further stated that the security needs of Nigeria cannot be left to measures that have proven to have less effect and many challenges. 

As a progressive parliament, he stated that the House needs to rise to the challenge using the legal and legislative backing of the constitution review for the benefit of Nigerians.

Hon. Afe, noted that the security challenges in the country must be tackled with the best Template that would promote peace and tranquility in Nationhood. 

He further stressed that the House should alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to give legal backing to State Security Outfit to Complement the Nigeria Police Force. 

The bill was voted for and passed second reading and referred to Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the Constitution Review.

In a related development the member representing Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal constituency Hon. Efe Afe, sponsored another Bill for an Act to Alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Strengthen Political Parties Structures in Nigeria and other Related Matters, has passed second reading in the house of Representatives.

The bill was sponsored by the member representing Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal constituency, Hon. Efe Afe.

Leading the Debate Hon. Afe, moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Miriam Onuoha. 

Hon. Afe, stated that the Bill seeks to amend the relevant section of the constitution in order to strengthen the structures of political parties in Nigeria. 

He further stated that it is in order to regulate the political parties in the country.

 Hon. Afe, proposed that among other things, Political parties would be expected to win at least 2 seats in the state assemblies before being allowed to field federal candidates so that only viable parties can participate in federal elections.

The bill was opposed by Hon. Nkem Abonta, who rose to speak against the Bill stating that the Supreme Court ruling on the provision of political parties is sufficient. 

The Bill was voted for, passed for second reading and referred to the Special Ad-Hoc Committee of the House on the Amendment of the Constitution.

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