Tinubu Urges Quick Senate Action on State Police Constitutional Amendment
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Nigerian Senate to begin amending the 1999 Constitution to allow the creation of state police. He said Nigeria must urgently restructure its security system to tackle terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country.
Speaking during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu said lawmakers should start embedding state policing in the Constitution so states can take greater responsibility for security in their territories. He stressed that Nigeria is facing serious security threats and must reclaim forests from criminal groups and protect citizens from fear.
The President described the proposed reform as a shared national duty, urging unity between the executive and legislature. He said the country must pull together in line with the vision of its founding fathers and work collectively to secure lives and property.
Tinubu also thanked the Senate for supporting major economic reforms under his administration, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification. He defended the decision to scrap petrol subsidy, describing it as ending monumental corruption and foreign exchange arbitrage.
According to him, the reforms have helped stabilise the economy and positioned the country for future growth. He said Nigerians no longer need to chase dollars and expressed confidence that prosperity is achievable with sustained hard work and cooperation.
Responding to critics, the President dismissed claims that he is weakening opposition voices. He said he does not suppress dissent and suggested that political defections are decisions made by individuals.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged continued support for the administration. He assured the President that executive proposals sent to the Senate would receive proper attention and careful review in the national interest.
Akpabio commended the administration’s economic and electoral reforms and expressed optimism that Nigeria would witness greater development in the coming years. The gathering ended with prayers for unity, wisdom and peace as the country confronts security and economic challenges.