President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to begin the process of amending the Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police, describing it as necessary to confront Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said the evolving nature of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry and insurgency, makes decentralised policing increasingly urgent. He argued that empowering states with policing authority would strengthen grassroots security and allow quicker responses to local threats.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” the President said. “What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders and free our children from fear.”
He explained that state police would complement the existing federal security structure, while promoting intelligence-driven and community-based law enforcement. Tinubu also praised the working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, saying unity between both arms of government is vital to tackling insecurity.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony. We are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all,” he said.
The President further commended the Senate for supporting key reforms under his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, which he described as bold but necessary.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not have been possible. We are reformists together,” Tinubu said, adding that ending the subsidy regime curtailed what he called “monumental corruption.”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the interfaith breakfast and described his leadership as critical at a pivotal time for the country. He said the administration’s reforms had increased revenue allocations to states, enabling governors to embark on infrastructure projects, and offered prayers for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.
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