Tinubu Pushes State Police, Praises NASS Reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night called on the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the Constitution to create state police, declaring that Nigeria’s worsening security challenges require urgent structural reforms and unified national resolve.

Speaking during a joint gathering with federal lawmakers in Abuja, the President said the moment demanded an “indivisible commitment to humanity” and a collective determination to secure the country, strengthen democracy, and safeguard citizens from terrorism and banditry.

“We are committed to the Nigerian entity succeeding,” Tinubu said. “We are committed to making laws for the welfare and prosperity of this country. We are committed to governing together.”

The President described the meeting, held during a period marked by both Christian and Muslim fasting, as symbolic of sacrifice, reflection, compassion, and national unity. He thanked the lawmakers for their support since he assumed office and assured them that their collaboration would never be taken for granted.

Push for State Police

At the heart of his address was a direct appeal for constitutional reform to allow the establishment of state police.

“Nigeria is extremely challenged,” Tinubu said. “We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. You have never failed to respond rightly to these calls. What I will ask tonight is for you to begin thinking of how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police, so we can secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”

The President argued that the centralised policing structure has proven inadequate in confronting security threats that differ across regions. He said empowering states with constitutional backing for their own police formations would help reclaim ungoverned spaces and restore public confidence in security institutions.

His call marks one of his strongest public endorsements yet for decentralised policing, an issue long debated within political and legal circles.

Unity Amid Security Pressures

Tinubu acknowledged the severity of the nation’s security crisis, noting that terrorism and banditry continue to inflict hardship on communities across the country. However, he urged lawmakers to remain united and avoid divisive tendencies.

“What we have faced in this challenging period is causing havoc, and we should pull together in the way our forefathers contemplated when they brought about constitutional democracy,” he said. “They did not say we should fight. They said we should unite.”

The President maintained that harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government was critical to stabilising the nation and delivering democratic dividends.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, looking for a country that evolves, that takes care of its citizens and protects all of us,” he said.

Defense of Political Record

Addressing critics, Tinubu dismissed allegations that he had weakened political opposition since assuming office. In a pointed remark, he said he had no reason to silence anyone.

“When they accused me of killing opposition, I did not have a gun,” he said. “I could have given myself a license when I had the authority, but I cannot blame anybody for jumping out of a sinking ship if they did.”

The President suggested that political realignments in recent months were voluntary decisions by individuals and not the result of coercion.

He urged lawmakers to remain focused and cautious in their legislative duties, warning them metaphorically to be mindful of “banana peels,” a reference to political pitfalls.

Reforms and Economic Stability

Tinubu used the occasion to reflect on the administration’s economic reforms, which he described as bold but necessary steps to reset Nigeria’s fiscal foundation.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms, but without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not have been possible,” he told lawmakers. “We are reformists together.”

He highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy as a decisive move against what he termed “monumental corruption.” According to him, the subsidy regime had encouraged arbitrage and drained public finances.

“What we gave up was monumental corruption in subsidy. We do not want to participate in corruption in arbitrage and foreign exchange,” he said.

The President added that foreign exchange reforms had reduced distortions in the market, declaring that citizens no longer needed to “chase dollars” as in the past.

“In the past, you could see what Nigeria was. Look at what Nigeria is today,” he said. “We are enjoying a stable economy. Prosperity is beckoning. We just need to work hard for it.”

Tinubu insisted that while the reforms were painful, they were necessary to reposition the country for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

Season of Faith and Reflection

In a moment that blended governance with faith, the President reflected on the coincidence of Christian and Muslim fasting seasons, describing it as a powerful reminder of shared values.

“May God Almighty, who gave us this period of reflection, grant us good health to see many more years turn around,” he prayed. “May He bless us and bless Nigeria.”

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to break bread with lawmakers and stressed that the period called for compassion, sacrifice, and renewed national purpose.

Senate Pledges Loyalty

Responding on behalf of the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged continued legislative support for the President’s agenda and expressed confidence that Nigeria would become more prosperous by the end of Tinubu’s tenure in 2031.

“We assure you of our loyalty,” Akpabio said. “We will continue to work with you for the good of this nation.”

He noted that no executive bill transmitted by the President had been allowed to fail at first reading, underscoring what he described as a mature and cooperative relationship between both arms of government.

“Nothing you have sent to us has died in first reading, and it will not happen,” he said. “We sit down painstakingly to go through everything that comes before us. Even when social media does not understand it, eventually Nigerians come to see.”

Akpabio commended the President for reforms in taxation, foreign exchange management, and fuel subsidy removal, describing them as courageous decisions taken in the national interest.

He also referenced the amendment to the Electoral Act, saying the President demonstrated openness by signing the legislation into law after discussions with lawmakers.

“When we convinced you it was in the interest of the nation, you signed immediately,” he said, adding that the law had already undergone its first test during elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

On Insecurity and National Prayer

The Senate President acknowledged ongoing insecurity in parts of the country and described it as, in some instances, sponsored. He called for continued prayers from both Muslims and Christians, expressing hope that divine intervention would complement government efforts.

“We are aware of the troubles going on,” Akpabio said. “The prayers of Muslims and Christians are very important at a time like this.”

He prayed for the President’s health, wisdom, and strength to continue leading the country through difficult reforms.

Praise for Appointments

Akpabio also thanked Tinubu for appointing former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as an ambassador, describing it as a recognition of legislative talent and experience within the National Assembly.

He said the choice reflected the President’s willingness to draw from a broad pool of political actors in representing Nigeria internationally.

A Shared Reform Agenda

Both leaders framed the relationship between the executive and legislature as one built on shared responsibility for Nigeria’s transformation. Tinubu credited lawmakers for enabling reforms, while Akpabio affirmed that the Senate would continue to examine executive proposals thoroughly but support them when convinced of their merit.

The meeting ended on a note of cautious optimism, with the President reiterating that Nigeria’s prosperity was within reach if unity, discipline, and hard work were sustained.

As debates over constitutional amendments and security restructuring gather momentum, the President’s call for state police is likely to dominate legislative discourse in the coming months.

For now, both arms of government appear aligned on a reform agenda aimed at tackling insecurity, stabilising the economy, and strengthening democratic governance in Africa’s most populous nation.