AMEND CONSTITUTION FOR STATE POLICE, TINUBU TELLS SENATORS
Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second
BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night asked the National Assembly to start the process of changing the Constitution so that State Police can be included. This is part of the efforts to deal with the country‘s security problems.
He made this request during an interfaith breaking of fast event with Senate members at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu, who described Nigeria as “extremely challenged” by terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, said the constitutional amendment has become imperative to enable the country secure its forests from bandits and free children from fear.
The President told the senators: “What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, free our children from fear.”
He commended the senators for their unwavering support in addressing security challenges, pledging not to take their collaboration for granted.
“You never fail to make the right response to these calls.
“All the critical support that I’ve enjoyed, I will promise that I will continue to enjoy it and will not take you for granted,” Tinubu said.
The President’s appeal comes barely three days after he made a similar promise to state governors during an Iftar dinner on Monday, where he vowed that the establishment of State Police “will not be postponed.”
During that event, Tinubu had declared, “What I promise you is not to be postponed. We will establish State Police to combat 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.
Policing in Nigeria is handled by the central government, which has full control over it. The states rely on the Nigeria Police Force to manage security and safety within their areas.
Establishing State Police would require a constitutional amendment, which must pass through 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.
President Tinubu also addressed criticisms against his administration, particularly allegations that he is “killing the opposition” through defections of opposition members to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“What they call you, any name, any nickname, critics must talk. When they accused me of killing opposition, I didn’t have a gun.
“I could have given myself a license when I have the authority, but I can’t blame anybody from jumping out of sinking ship,” the President stated, referring to recent defections from opposition parties.
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