Tinubu urges senators to amend constitution for state police
Naija News • 4d ago
**State Police: Tinubu's Plea to Senate as Nigeria Grapples with Security Challenges**
In a bid to tackle Nigeria's burgeoning security concerns, President Bola Tinubu has urged the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the Constitution to establish State Police. Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu described Nigeria as a country beset by terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
The President's call for constitutional reform comes as Nigeria grapples with the challenges of policing its vast and diverse territory. With policing currently under federal control, critics argue that the centralised structure is inadequate to address localised threats. Proponents of State Police, on the other hand, believe that it would enable governors to have direct control over security operations in their states, allowing for quicker response to localised threats and better community policing.
Tinubu, who has been a strong advocate for the establishment of State Police, commended senators for their unwavering support in addressing security challenges. He pledged not to take their collaboration for granted, reassuring them of his administration's commitment to tackling insecurity.
The call for State Police has gained momentum nationwide, with state governors, traditional rulers, and security experts advocating for its establishment as a solution to Nigeria's security situation. However, critics warn of potential abuse by governors, politicisation of the police, and the financial burden of maintaining separate forces across all states.
As Nigeria's security challenges continue to worsen, the need for a more effective policing system has become increasingly pressing. The establishment of State Police would require a constitutional amendment, which must pass both chambers of the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority and be ratified by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The President's appeal to the Senate comes after he made a similar pledge to state governors during an Iftar dinner on Monday. Tinubu's administration faces numerous challenges, including allegations of "killing the opposition" through defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress. However, the President remains resolute in his commitment to addressing Nigeria's security challenges and has vowed to establish State Police to combat insecurity.