The Abia State Government has dismissed reports that the state has not approved the proposed State Police Bill, insisting that the House of Assembly has already passed the legislation.

Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, described the reports as inaccurate and misleading in a statement made available to Channels Television on Thursday.

He said the state legislature 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 demonstrated Abia’s readiness to embrace state policing in line with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Constitutional Process Advances

The clarification comes as the proposed state police framework advances through the constitutional amendment process.

The National Assembly has passed the bill and transmitted it to state legislatures for approval.

At least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly are required to endorse it.

On Wednesday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said 30 state assemblies had approved the bill.

The Senate gave the remaining six until November 15 to communicate their decisions.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government and other states towards implementing state police.

It called on journalists to verify information before publication.

It also urged residents and media organisations to disregard the reports and rely on verified information from official government channels.