President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle nationwide insecurity.
President Tinubu made the call on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President emphasized that the creation of State Police has become an urgent necessity to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance the capacity of states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
He noted that a decentralized policing structure would complement the existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to provide the right response to this cause. What I ask of you tonight is to begin considering how best to amend the constitution to incorporate State Police, allowing us to secure our country, reclaim our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” the President stated.
Commending the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature, President Tinubu stressed that such unity is vital to defeating terrorism and banditry across the country.
“It is a positive development that we are working in harmony. We look forward to an evolving country—one that takes care of its citizens and protects everyone,” he added.
President Tinubu further expressed gratitude to the Senate for its unwavering support regarding his administration’s economic reforms, specifically the removal of the fuel subsidy and the implementation of new tax policies.
“I receive much credit for these bold reforms, but without your collaboration and inspiration, they would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we have dismantled is the monumental corruption within the subsidy system. We refuse to participate in such corruption or the arbitrage of foreign exchange.”
“You no longer have to chase the dollar; you can see the direction Nigeria is taking today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. We are beginning to enjoy a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning. We must continue to work hard, and your attendance here tonight means a lot to me,” the President said.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President for hosting the Senate leadership for the interfaith breaking of fast. He praised President Tinubu for providing visionary leadership at a critical juncture, noting that the administration’s bold reforms have significantly increased revenue for governors at the sub-national level to develop critical infrastructure.
The Senate President concluded the event with prayers for the success of the administration and for the continued peace and prosperity of the nation.
