President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to initiate a constitutional amendment to establish State Police, describing the move as a critical necessity to dismantle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday night during an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa. Addressing the lawmakers, President Tinubu underscored that the nation remains “extremely challenged” by terrorism and banditry, necessitating a localized security architecture.
President Tinubu urged the senators to begin crafting a framework that secures Nigeria’s forests and protects citizens from the climate of fear.
“What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the State Police,” the President stated. “We must secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”
This appeal follows a similar commitment made to state governors earlier this week, where the President vowed that the transition to a decentralized policing system “will not be postponed.”
During the session, the President also addressed his administration’s bold economic trajectory, specifically the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market. He credited the National Assembly’s collaboration for the success of these reforms, which he labeled as a strike against “monumental corruption.”
On Subsidy Removal: The President characterized the previous subsidy regime as a hub for arbitrage and corruption, stating that the administration chose to prioritize national stability over corrupt practices.
On Political Criticism: Responding to allegations of stifling the opposition, the President dismissed claims of coercion regarding recent defections to the APC, noting that he cannot be blamed for those choosing to leave “a sinking ship.”
Highlighting the rare convergence of the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent, President Tinubu called for a unified front against national threats. He praised the harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, noting that such synergy is vital for a functional constitutional democracy.
“We should pull together and unite in a way that our forefathers contemplated,” Tinubu remarked. “We are looking for a country that evolves, takes care of its citizens, and protects all of us.”
The establishment of State Police will require a significant legislative process, including:
A two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Ratification by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
The President concluded by thanking the Senate for their unwavering support, pledging to continue a partnership based on mutual respect and shared reformist goals.
