President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police, describing the move as urgent in tackling Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
Tinubu made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he stressed the need for a decentralised policing structure to confront terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country.
The President said the establishment of state police would strengthen grassroots policing, enhance intelligence gathering, and enable states to respond more swiftly to security threats within their jurisdictions.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He noted that decentralised policing would complement the existing federal security architecture and promote community-focused law enforcement.
The President also commended the cordial working relationship between the executive and the Senate, stressing that unity among political leaders is critical to defeating 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.
Tinubu thanked the Senate for its support of his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing tax reforms. He described the reforms as bold steps taken to eliminate 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.
According to the President, the reforms have set Nigeria on the path of economic stability and growth.
“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,” he added.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Tinubu for hosting the Senate leadership and for providing what he described as visionary leadership at a critical time in the nation’s history.
Akpabio said the administration’s reforms have increased revenue allocations to sub-national governments, enabling governors to invest more in critical infrastructure development.
He also offered prayers for the President and the nation, expressing hope for sustained peace and prosperity.