…Seeks Constitutional Amendment to Tackle Insecurity
…Tells Senators Prosperity is in Sight
By Jeremy Fregene
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday mounted a strong case for the creation of State Police, urging the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the Constitution to provide a legal framework for decentralised policing to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said the establishment of State Police had become urgent in the face of terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country.
He appealed directly to lawmakers to begin the constitutional process required to make it happen.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response. What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking about how best to amend the constitution to incorporate State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” the President said.
Tinubu argued that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering and enable states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions. According to him, State Police would complement, not replace, existing federal security structures and promote community-focused law enforcement.
The President emphasised the need for unity between the executive and legislature in confronting insecurity, describing the current collaboration with the Senate as critical to national stability.
“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.
Beyond security, Tinubu used the occasion to highlight what he described as significant economic gains arising from his administration’s reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and tax policy changes.
He thanked the Senate for backing what he called difficult but necessary decisions, insisting that the reforms had halted “monumental corruption” embedded in the former subsidy regime and ended foreign exchange arbitrage.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added that Nigeria is now experiencing economic stability, with improved fiscal conditions and brighter prospects ahead.
“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,” the President stated.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended Tinubu for hosting the interfaith gathering and praised his leadership at what he described as a critical moment for the nation. He noted that the administration’s reforms had increased revenue allocations to states, enabling governors to invest more in infrastructure and development.
Akpabio also offered prayers for the President and for national peace and prosperity.
The call for State Police is expected to ignite renewed debate over constitutional restructuring, as Tinubu signals readiness to pursue far-reaching security reforms alongside his administration’s economic overhaul.