Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the importance of amending the Constitution to create a framework for state police while advocating for essential safeguards to prevent potential misuse by state governors. During an interfaith Iftar gathering with members of the House of Representatives, he expressed this sentiment for the third time within a week, highlighting the necessity to establish a structured approach to state policing rather than allowing unchecked authority to governors. Tinubu’s remarks reflect his commitment to enhancing local security measures while avoiding past pitfalls associated with governance and law enforcement.

The President articulated that the establishment of state police should be rooted in lessons learned from previous governance shortcomings, cautioning against a system that could lead to rampant abuse of power. He contended that appropriate checks and balances must be integrated into the legislation to ensure that state police forces serve the public interest without overreach from local political leaders. According to Tinubu, collaboration among lawmakers is crucial to push for these constitutional amendments that would lay the groundwork for accountable and effective policing at the state level.

Tinubu's call for a constitutional amendment comes amid growing discussions surrounding the challenges of local security in Nigeria, where citizens often feel threatened by crime and disorder. The proposed framework for state police is part of a broader strategy to not only address security concerns but also to empower local governance. As Nigeria navigates these significant shifts in its security policy, the implications of such amendments could have profound effects on governance and civil liberties across the nation.