Tinubu to Governors: State Police Must Begin Now

Tinubu to Governors: State Police Must Begin Now

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the establishment of state police in Nigeria can no longer be delayed, stressing that urgent action is required to tackle rising insecurity, banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

The President spoke on Monday night after breaking the Ramadan fast (Iftar) with state governors at the Presidential Villa, where he said all levels of government must work together to reclaim ungoverned spaces being exploited by criminal groups.

“What I promised you will not be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity. Start looking around you,” Tinubu told the governors, emphasising that Nigeria’s security challenges had reached a point where decentralised policing could no longer be ignored.

He reminded the governors that they had all, through deliberations at the National Economic Council (NEC), agreed on the need to create state police as a strategy to curb insecurity and protect communities. According to him, the consensus underscored the urgency of addressing widespread criminality that has disrupted livelihoods and instilled fear across many parts of the country.

Tinubu, however, acknowledged that critical issues such as funding, command structure, oversight, accountability and coordination with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were still being worked out. He noted that these modalities must be carefully designed to ensure professionalism, prevent abuse and guarantee effective collaboration.

The President also urged governors to intensify grassroots development, saying neglect, unemployment and poverty at the local government level often fuel criminal activities. He appealed to state leaders to embrace inclusiveness and ensure that development opportunities reached the most vulnerable.

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“Be all-encompassing. Let’s spread development opportunities to the grassroots and embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all our supporters,” he said.

Describing the coincidence of the Muslim Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season as symbolic, Tinubu said the period reflected shared values of discipline, sacrifice and unity, urging Nigerians to continue to pray together and support one another.

Addressing internal political tensions, the President advised members of his party to exercise tolerance during ongoing congresses, stressing that unity and harmony were essential for national stability.

“Tolerate everybody. Let the young ones breathe. Build structures anchored on unity, harmony and sacrifice,” he said.

Acknowledging that criticisms and commendations would continue to trail his administration, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, saying the country was emerging from economic uncertainty.

“We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is picking up. Let’s help those who are unemployed,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the governors, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the gathering as a symbol of religious harmony, unity and partnership between the federal and state governments. He praised the President for fostering political stability and strengthening collaboration with governors, pledging continued support for ongoing reforms.

The dinner was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, several state governors and senior government officials, including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu to Governors: State Police Must Begin Now