By Emman Ovuakporie

ABUJA—AN executive bill for an act to establish Nigeria Police Reform Trust Fund and for related matters, Tuesday, failed to pass second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, which had all along enjoyed goodwill from members, met its demise when the leader of the opposition, Femi Gbajabiamila, said though the bill was well intended, it compelled states to contribute to a Police Reform Trust Fund.

Fort Dike, Patrick Ikhariele, Nnena Ukeje all contributed in varying degrees, with Dike insisting that measures be put in place to extract performance. He also frowned at the passage of a bill the House could not be in total control of.

In his contribution, Asita Honourable (Rivers), however, spoke resolutely against passing of the bill, considering the clamour for state police within the polity.

When Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, twice put up the question, members unanimously voted against passage of the bill.