Amend The Constitution Now”: Tinubu Issues Urgent Order to Senators Over State Police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigerian Senate to take immediate steps toward amending the constitution to allow for the creation of state police, describing the move as essential to tackling the nation’s deepening security crisis.

The President made the appeal on Wednesday evening in Abuja, during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa—a gathering that blended the solemnity of Ramadan with urgent political discourse.

Speaking to the lawmakers, Tinubu painted a grim picture of the security challenges confronting the nation, citing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency as threats that require innovative and localized responses.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause,” he said.

 

“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 forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”

The proposal, which has been a subject of national debate for years, would shift part of the responsibility for law enforcement from the federal government to the states. According to the President, such a structure would allow for quicker, more intelligence-driven responses to crimes at the community level—something the current centralized system often struggles to deliver.

Tinubu also took time to acknowledge the working relationship between the executive and the Senate, stressing that unity of purpose was crucial in the fight against insecurity.

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

Beyond security, the President used the occasion to reflect on the tough economic reforms his administration has pursued—particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the ongoing tax reform agenda. He praised the Senate for standing by the executive through what he described as necessary but painful decisions.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together,” Tinubu told the lawmakers.

He went further to justify the subsidy removal, framing it as a fight against systemic corruption.

“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.”

The President expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, noting that stability was gradually taking root and prosperity was within reach—provided the government and its institutions remained focused.

“You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” he added.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Tinubu for the engagement and for fostering a collaborative atmosphere between the two arms of government. He described the President’s leadership as visionary and offered prayers for the nation’s continued peace and progress.

The breakfast meeting, held under the lights of the Presidential Villa, was more than a ritual of the season—it carried the weight of policy direction. With Tinubu’s latest push, the conversation around state police now moves firmly to the doorstep of the National Assembly.