🏛️ Tinubu Pushes State Police Reform, Tells Lawmakers “Security Is Local”
President Bola Tinubu has renewed calls for the creation of state police, urging members of the House of Representatives to fast-track constitutional amendments that would decentralise Nigeria’s security structure.
Speaking on Friday at an interfaith breaking of fast held at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu argued that insecurity across the country demands a new approach — one that empowers states to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
“Security is local,” the President said, noting that lawmakers often face direct pressure from constituents over rising insecurity.
The dinner, which brought together Muslim and Christian lawmakers during the Ramadan and Lenten seasons, marked the third in a series of engagements with top political stakeholders, following earlier meetings with governors and members of the Senate.
“Not a Free Fall” — Tinubu Warns
While advocating for state policing, Tinubu cautioned against what he described as a “straight free fall” model, stressing the need for strong safeguards to prevent potential abuse of power at the state level.
“Amend it… Tie it in a way that will not be abused, like in the past. A good legislature must learn from the past to cure the present,” he said, pledging readiness to collaborate with lawmakers.
Reform Praise and Political Signals
The President also commended lawmakers for backing key economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, acknowledging the political heat that followed those decisions.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas reaffirmed the House’s support for the administration, expressing optimism about the government’s direction and reform outcomes.
The renewed push signals that state policing — long debated in Nigeria’s political space — may return to the front burner as constitutional amendment talks gather momentum.
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