Tinubu Takes Final Decision on State Police; Sends Message to Lawmakers

President Bola Tinubu has called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would facilitate the establishment of State Police, a move intended to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.

This appeal was made during an interfaith breakfast meeting with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday night.

In his remarks, the President emphasized the complexity of the current security threats facing the nation, advocating for urgent structural reforms in the policing system.

He argued that the creation of State Police would enhance security at the grassroots level, empowering state governments to respond more effectively to criminal activities within their jurisdictions.

Furthermore, Tinubu indicated that a decentralized policing framework would complement the efforts of existing federal security agencies, fostering improved intelligence gathering through active community involvement.

According to him, the nation must take bold steps to reclaim unsafe areas and protect citizens from fear and violence.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.

The President also praised the cooperation between the executive arm and the National Assembly, stressing that unity between both arms of government is essential to defeat insecurity and rebuild confidence among Nigerians.

“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,” Tinubu added.

He went further to appreciate the Senate for supporting key economic policies of his administration, including fuel subsidy removal and tax reforms. He said these decisions, though difficult, were necessary to block corruption and stabilise the economy.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange,” he said.

Tinubu maintained that Nigeria is already seeing signs of economic recovery and urged lawmakers to remain committed to policies that would guarantee long-term prosperity.

“You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” the President stated.

In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the lawmakers at the interfaith event and described the gesture as a sign of mutual respect between both arms of government.

Akpabio praised Tinubu’s leadership, saying the administration’s reforms have increased revenue available to state governments and created opportunities for the development of critical infrastructure across the country.

He also offered prayers for the President and the nation, calling for peace, stability, and continued progress for Nigeria.