By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police, describing the move as urgent in confronting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The President made the call during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he stressed that decentralised policing had become imperative to strengthen grassroots security and enhance the capacity of states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
According to Tinubu, a State Police structure would complement the existing federal security architecture by promoting intelligence-led and community-focused law enforcement.
“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 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,” he said.
The President commended the harmonious relationship between the executive arm and the National Assembly, noting that unity and collaboration were critical in defeating terrorism and banditry.
He said the country must continue to evolve in ways that protect citizens and guarantee security nationwide.
Tinubu also thanked the Senate for supporting key economic reforms of his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and ongoing tax reforms, which he described as bold decisions aimed at eliminating systemic corruption and stabilising the economy.
“We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We do not want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange,” he stated, adding that the reforms had laid the foundation for economic stability and renewed prosperity.
Responding, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the President for hosting the leadership of the Senate and praised what he described as visionary leadership at a critical time in the nation’s history.
He observed that recent reforms had increased revenue accruals to sub-national governments, enabling governors to invest more in critical infrastructure and development projects.
Akpabio offered prayers for the success of the administration and for the nation’s peace and prosperity.
The meeting underscored ongoing discussions between the executive and legislature on constitutional amendments and structural reforms aimed at strengthening national security and governance.
