President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide.
President Tinubu made the appeal during an Interfaith break fast with Senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A statement by Mr Bayo Ononuga his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, revealed that the President said the creation of State Police has become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots Policing, and enhance state’s capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote Intelligence – led community focused law enforcement.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you ( Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forest from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.
The President commended the cordial relationship between the executive and senators, saying that unity is needed to defeat terrorism and banditry in the country.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protect all.
President Tinubu thanked the Senate for its unflinching support towards achieving various economic reforms of his administration, especially the fuel subsidy removal and tax reform policy.
“I have a lot of credit for a bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange.
“You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy prosperity is becoming us. We need to work hard and this attendance means a lot to me,” the President said.
President of the Senate, Goodwill Akpabio, commended the President for hosting the leadership of the Senate to Interfaith breaking of the fast.
He also commended President Tinubu for providing the leadership the nation needs at this critical time, stating that the administration’s bold reforms have now brought more revenue to governors at subnational level for the development of critical infrastructure.
The Senate President prayed for the administration. He also prayed for the nation’s peace and prosperity.
