Tinubu state police reform receives full Senate backing as Akpabio pledges cooperation for constitutional amendments to strengthen security

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the full and unwavering support of the Nigerian Senate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to initiate constitutional amendments that would allow for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.

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Responding to the president during an interfaith iftar at the State House, Akpabio assured that no presidential request had ever failed at first reading in the Senate, vowing continued loyalty and support for the proposed security reforms.

“We have nothing to give to you, except to assure you of our loyalty.

I’m sure you have noticed that nothing you have ever sent to us died on first reading and it will never happen,” Akpabio said.

He highlighted the Senate’s detailed legislative process, noting that decisions are carefully reviewed to serve Nigerians, even if not widely visible on social media.

President Tinubu had urged the Senate to begin constitutional amendments to enable subnational governments to establish policing structures, describing the move as essential to reclaim forests from criminals, protect citizens, and curb terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

“Nigeria is extremely challenged, we are facing terrorism, banditry, insurgency, but you never failed to make a right response to these calls.

What I will ask 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 and free our children from fear,” Tinubu said.

The appeal builds on a year-long push by the president, which included the formation of a federal-state committee in February 2024 to explore state police options and repeated calls to the National Assembly and governors’ caucuses.

He emphasised that the reform “can’t wait and will not be postponed,” describing it as a unifying duty consistent with the vision of Nigeria’s forefathers.

Tinubu also praised the Senate’s support for his economic reforms, including ending fuel subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange market, which he described as a blow against corruption.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaborations, without your inspirations, those reforms are not possible. We are reformists together,” he said.

Highlighting the country’s emerging stability, Tinubu said, “You don’t have to chase me for dollars. In the past, you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, prosperity beckoning on us. We just need to work hard for it.”

He further underscored national unity during the interfaith occasion, linking the overlap of Ramadan and Lent to the broader goal of harmony.

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“We are committed to the Nigerian entity succeeding. We are committed to making law for the welfare and prosperity of the country. I think we are committed together to govern together,” Tinubu said.