President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the leadership of the 10th National Assembly to urgently commence the process of amending the Constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of State Police, describing the move as critical to tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast meeting with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he praised the Senate leadership for its cooperation with the Executive and reaffirmed the need for legislative support in strengthening national security.
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According to President Tinubu, the growing threats of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency demand a decentralised policing system that empowers states to respond swiftly to security threats within their territories.
He noted that State Police would enhance grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering, and complement the existing federal security architecture.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response. What I ask of you tonight, particularly the leadership of the Senate under the distinguished Senate President, is to begin the process of amending the Constitution to incorporate State Police. We must secure our country, reclaim our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” the President said.
President Tinubu also commended the cordial working relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly, describing the unity between both arms of government as essential to defeating insecurity and promoting national development.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony. Together, we are building a country that evolves, protects its citizens, and guarantees safety for all,” he added.
Beyond security, the President expressed appreciation to the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for its unwavering support of his administration’s economic reform agenda, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the implementation of tax reforms.
He said the reforms, though difficult, were necessary to eliminate corruption, stabilise the economy, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
“I give you immense credit for these bold reforms. Without your collaboration, these changes would not have been possible. We are reformers together. What we stopped was monumental corruption in the subsidy system and foreign exchange arbitrage. Nigeria is now on the path of economic stability, and prosperity is within reach,” Tinubu stated.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the leadership of the Senate to the interfaith breakfast and reaffirmed the legislature’s firm commitment to supporting policies and reforms aimed at strengthening security, boosting the economy, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He commended President Tinubu for his visionary and courageous leadership, noting that the administration’s reforms have significantly increased revenue accruing to state governments, enabling them to invest more in infrastructure and development projects across the country.
The Senate President also offered prayers for divine wisdom and guidance for the President and his team, while praying for peace, unity, and prosperity for Nigeria.
The interfaith engagement, which brought together lawmakers from different religious backgrounds, highlighted the administration’s emphasis on unity, collaboration, and collective responsibility in addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.
