Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced on Wednesday that about 30 state Houses of Assembly have endorsed the proposed constitution amendment to establish state police. This development brings Nigeria closer to adopting a decentralised policing system, which Akpabio believes will significantly improve the country's capacity to tackle insecurity. The proposed reform aims to bring policing closer to communities, thereby enhancing national security.
Akpabio expressed his optimism about the decentralised policing system during a meeting with members of Arewa Revival Project, a northern youth organisation. He stated that the constitution amendment process is nearing completion and that the establishment of state police will complement existing security structures. This, he believes, will enhance efforts to address the country's security challenges. The senate president urged the youth to intensify grassroots mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
According to Akpabio, continuity in government is crucial to allow the administration's economic reforms and security policies to produce the desired results. He called on the Nigerian youth to rise above what he described as paid social media propaganda against the administration. The president, he said, has taken significant steps to diversify the economy, reform the tax system, and address longstanding structural problems.
Akpabio highlighted the president's efforts to move Nigeria away from its longstanding dependence on crude oil revenues. The administration has introduced reforms intended to reposition the economy. He expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its security challenges and urged the youth to remain confident in the country's future while supporting efforts to restore peace and stability.
The senate president stated that decentralised policing will further strengthen national security by improving the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond to threats within their respective communities. He expressed optimism that Nigeria will soon adopt a decentralised policing system, which will increase the security of the nation. This, he believes, is a significant step towards addressing the country's security challenges.
Akpabio urged the Arewa youths to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He stated that the administration needs time to consolidate its policies and that the president's economic reforms require continuity to deliver results. The senate president's call for support is an indication of the administration's efforts to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of policies.
The proposed constitution amendment to establish state police is a significant step towards addressing Nigeria's security challenges. With 30 state Houses of Assembly already endorsing the amendment, the country is moving closer to adopting a decentralised policing system. This development is expected to enhance national security and improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond to threats within their respective communities.
Key points
- 30 state Houses of Assembly have endorsed the proposed constitution amendment to establish state police.
- The decentralised policing system aims to bring policing closer to communities, thereby enhancing national security.
- Akpabio urged the Nigerian youth to rise above paid social media propaganda against the administration.
