Tinubu Urges Senators to Amend Constitution for State Police

President Bola Tinubu has formally called on members of the National Assembly to commence the process of amending the 1999 Constitution to allow for the establishment of State Police, describing the move as a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

The President made the appeal on Wednesday night during an interfaith breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Speaking candidly, Tinubu painted a grim picture of the country’s security situation, noting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency have continued to overstretch existing security structures.

According to him, the current constitutional arrangement, which places policing exclusively under federal control, is no longer sufficient to effectively secure Nigeria’s vast territory, particularly forests and rural communities that have increasingly become safe havens for criminal elements.

“What I am asking for tonight is for you 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,” the President told the senators.

Tinubu commended the Senate for what he described as consistent and unwavering support for his administration, particularly in matters relating to national security and economic reforms. He assured lawmakers that their cooperation would not be taken for granted, stressing that the executive and legislature must continue to work in harmony to confront Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

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

The President’s renewed push for State Police comes just days after he made a similar commitment to state governors during an Iftar dinner earlier in the week. At that meeting, Tinubu declared that the creation of State Police would not be postponed, signaling a clear intention by his administration to pursue the reform with urgency.

“What I promise you is not to be postponed. We will establish State Police to combat insecurity,” he had assured the governors.

In recent months, calls for State Police have gained momentum nationwide. State governors, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and security experts have increasingly argued that decentralised policing would allow states to respond more swiftly and effectively to local security threats. They contend that governors, as chief security officers of their states, should have direct control over policing to improve intelligence gathering and community-based security operations.

Currently, internal security across the country is handled by the Nigeria Police Force, which is centrally controlled by the federal government. Critics of this arrangement argue that a one-size-fits-all policing structure cannot adequately address Nigeria’s diverse and localised security challenges across its 36 states.

However, the proposal remains controversial. While proponents believe State Police would enhance responsiveness and accountability, critics warn of potential abuse. They fear that governors could politicise State Police, use them to harass political opponents, and suppress dissent. Others also point to the financial burden, noting that many states already struggle to pay workers’ salaries and may lack the resources to fund and maintain separate police forces.

Legally, establishing State Police would require a constitutional amendment, which must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and ratified by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

Beyond security, Tinubu also addressed political criticisms against his administration, particularly claims that defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress amount to an attempt to “kill the opposition.” He dismissed such allegations, saying political realignments are often driven by survival instincts rather than coercion.

“When they accused me of killing opposition, I didn’t have a gun. I can’t blame anybody from jumping out of a sinking ship,” he said.

The President further defended his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, describing the former subsidy regime as “monumental corruption.” He credited the National Assembly for supporting these policies and insisted that Nigeria is now on the path to economic stability and prosperity.

Tinubu concluded by reflecting on the rare overlap of Ramadan and Lent, urging political leaders to embrace the season’s values of sacrifice, compassion, and unity as they work together to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.