President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the creation of state police will be achieved as part of efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria.
Tinubu
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday night while addressing governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a caucus meeting held at the State House, Abuja.
The president said he had recently discussed the issue of state policing with leaders from the United States and Europe, presenting it as a key strategy to enhance internal security.
“I had a very long discussion with the US and European leaders. I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass a state police to improve security,” Tinubu said.
“They asked me if I’m confident, and I said, ‘Yes, I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen. And if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail.’”
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy and urged governors to ensure its practical execution.
“To me, the local government autonomy is and must be effective. Let us give them. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the supreme court,” he said.
He charged APC governors to remain actively engaged in governance at all levels and adopt a flexible approach in addressing issues within their states.
“You have to navigate this country; whether we like it or not, you are in the leadership position that must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible and get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level,” Tinubu said.
The president stressed that direct funding for local governments is essential and non-negotiable for genuine autonomy.
