President Bola Tinubu has urged the 10th Senate to commence constitutional reforms that would provide legal backing for the creation of state police, citing the urgent need to address escalating security threats across the country.
He said devolving policing powers to the states would strengthen grassroots security, enable rapid response to local crises, and complement the federal security apparatus in tackling terrorism and violent crimes.
“The evolving nature of security threats demands structural adjustments,” the President said, calling on lawmakers to prioritise amendments that would entrench decentralised law enforcement within the nation’s legal framework.
Tinubu made the appeal yesterday during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, according to his Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to respond appropriately to these challenges,” he said. “Tonight, I ask you to start considering how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police, so we can secure our country, reclaim our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”
He added: “It is a good thing that we are working in harmony. We look forward to a country that evolves, that cares for its citizens and protects all,” while commending the cooperation between the executive and the legislature.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation for legislative support on major economic decisions. “I have achieved a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration, those reforms would not have been possible. We are reformists together,” he said, noting that subsidy removal ended what he described as “monumental corruption.”
Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, thanked Tinubu for hosting the gathering and lauded his leadership at a pivotal moment. He said reforms had increased allocations to states, enabled governors to pursue key infrastructure projects, and offered prayers for national peace and prosperity.
