President Bola Tinubu has asked the leadership of the 10th senate to tinker with the constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police.
Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the presidential villa in Abuja, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
The president said the creation of state police has become imperative to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and strengthen grassroots policing.
He said a decentralised 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 make a right response to this cause,” he said.
“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 commended what he described as a cordial relationship between the executive and the senate, noting that unity is required to defeat terrorism and banditry.
“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 added.
The president also thanked the senate for supporting key economic reforms of his administration, including fuel subsidy removal and tax policies.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the president for hosting the interfaith breakfast.
He commended Tinubu for his leadership, saying the administration’s reforms have increased revenue available to states for infrastructure development.
He also prayed for the success of the administration and for peace and prosperity in the country.
Tinubu has repeatedly stated that creating state police is one of the cardinal objectives of his administration.
During a meeting with state governors on February 23, Tinubu said he is determined to fix the insecurity pervading the country with the creation of state police.
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