Tinubu Pushes for State Police, Defends Reforms at Senate Iftar

Bola Tinubu has asked the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

The President made the appeal on Wednesday night during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Describing the country as “extremely challenged” by terrorism, banditry and insurgency, Tinubu said constitutional reform had become necessary to enable authorities to secure forests from criminals and protect children from fear.

“What I am asking for tonight is for you 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, free our children from fear,” he said.

The President’s request comes three days after he made a similar pledge to state governors during an Iftar dinner, where he vowed that the creation of state police “will not be postponed.”

The call for state police has gained traction nationwide, with governors, traditional rulers and security experts backing the proposal as a solution to Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

Currently, policing is under the exclusive control of the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force, with states relying on the centralised structure for internal security. Critics of the system argue that it is inadequate to address diverse and localised threats across the 36 states.

The establishment of state police would require a constitutional amendment, which must secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and be ratified by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

Supporters say decentralised policing would allow governors greater control over security operations and improve response to local threats, while opponents warn of possible abuse by state governments, politicisation and the financial burden of maintaining separate forces.

Tinubu commended senators for supporting his administration’s security and economic policies, assuring them that he would not take their collaboration for granted.

“You never fail to make the right response to these calls. All the critical support that I’ve enjoyed, I promise that I will continue to enjoy it and will not take you for granted,” he said.

Responding to allegations that he was weakening the opposition by encouraging defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, the President dismissed the claims.

“When they accused me of killing opposition, I didn’t have a gun. I could have given myself a license when I had the authority, but I can’t blame anybody for jumping out of a sinking ship,” he said.

He called for unity among political leaders in confronting terrorism and banditry, stressing the need to work together to strengthen constitutional democracy and national development.

“We should pull together, unite in a way that our forefathers contemplated to bring about a constitutional democracy. We are looking for a country that evolves, that takes care of citizens and protects all of us,” Tinubu stated.

The President also credited the National Assembly for backing his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

Defending the subsidy removal, he described the former regime as “monumental corruption,” saying his government chose not to participate in corrupt practices.

“What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in subsidies. We gave it up. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption, in arbitrage, or in foreign exchange,” he said.

Tinubu maintained that Nigeria is now experiencing economic stability and approaching prosperity, urging lawmakers to take pride in the reforms.

“What we are enjoying is a stable economy, prosperity beckoning us. We just need to work hard,” he added.

He further noted the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent, describing it as a season of reflection, sacrifice, compassion and national unity.