Tinubu Asks Senate To Amend Constitution To Allow State Police

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Senate to begin the process of amending the constitution to allow states to establish their own police forces.

Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said creating state police forces is now necessary due to Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” the President said.

“What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) 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.”

He explained that a more decentralized policing system would improve local security and allow states to respond faster to challenges in their communities.

He emphasized that state police would work alongside the existing federal security agencies, focusing on intelligence-led and community-based law enforcement.

Tinubu also praised the cooperative relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, saying unity is vital in the fight against 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 said.

The President also thanked the Senate for supporting key reforms of his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and tax changes, describing these moves as bold but necessary.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not have been possible. We are reformists together,” he said, adding that ending the subsidy regime curtailed what he termed “monumental corruption.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, thanked Tinubu for hosting the breakfast and praised his leadership during a crucial time for the nation.

Akpabio added that the administration’s reforms had increased revenue for states, helping governors carry out major infrastructure projects, and prayed for the President and for peace and prosperity across Nigeria.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently decorated Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP).