President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the time has come for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against insecurity across the country.
Speaking on Monday night during an Iftar dinner with governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said decisive action was needed to tackle banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality.
“What I promised you will not be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity. Start looking around you,” the President told the governors.
The governors, through deliberations at the National Economic Council (NEC), had earlier agreed on the need for state police to address growing security challenges and ungoverned spaces being exploited by terrorists and kidnappers. However, the modalities for its operation and its relationship with federal security agencies are yet to be worked out.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, about 20 governors and other dignitaries attended the dinner.
The President said other groups would also be invited to break the Ramadan fast with him, in keeping with tradition.
Tinubu urged governors to deepen grassroots development to ensure Nigerians felt the dividends of democracy.
“I appeal again, let’s go further to embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all our supporters. Be all-encompassing and let’s spread development opportunities to the grassroots, the local governments,” he said.
Describing the coincidence of the Muslim Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season as significant, Tinubu said the period symbolised discipline, sacrifice, faith and resilience, calling for unity and mutual love among Nigerians.
He commended governors for progress recorded in their states, noting that “the reward of hard work is more work”.
Tinubu singled out Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, whom he described as “my son, the farmer from Niger”, and praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his Ramadan outreach to Christians and Muslims.
Addressing internal political tensions, the President advised members of his party to show tolerance during ongoing congresses.
“I will advise those who are in the same party with me to please bear in mind that those little ones, too, do cry. Tolerate everybody. Build the structure in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are preaching. Do it. Let the young ones breathe,” he said.
Acknowledging that criticisms and commendations would continue to trail governance, Tinubu urged unity of purpose.
“There are a lot of complaints and commendations coming from all angles. They will come at me too, but as long as we brace together, move together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.
“We’re out of the woods. We’re out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is picking up. Let’s help those who are unemployed,” he added.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the interfaith gathering as symbolic, noting the rare coincidence of Christian and Muslim fasting periods.
“This is special, and what it teaches us is that religious and ethnic issues should not divide us. We need to be more united as a country to develop our nation,” he said.
Uzodimma praised the President for fostering what he termed political stability and strengthening partnerships with state governments.
“You have forged national partnerships in progress with governors. There are also challenges with governors,” he said, pledging continued support.
Also present at the event were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several cabinet members, alongside governors from across the federation.
