Tinubu’s State Police Position Shows Consistency on Security—TMSG

Tinubu’s State Police Position Shows Consistency on Security—TMSG

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s repeated affirmation of state policing as a demonstration of policy consistency and his commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group noted that despite delays, it was increasingly evident that the President’s administration intends to institutionalise state police in the country.

“We are aware that President Tinubu’s pledge on the establishment of state police at the Iftar with state governors is about the third time in one year that he would be stating his position on a decentralised police system for the country,” the statement read.

TMSG recalled that President Tinubu first raised the idea during an exploratory meeting with governors in February 2024, citing his long-standing belief that decentralised policing is crucial for addressing the country’s security challenges.

The group contrasted this with the position of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who had opposed state policing, arguing that governors might misuse the system.

The organisation said the President’s latest reiteration underscores that the constitutional amendment to establish state police is ongoing at the National Assembly. “We agree with President Tinubu that state police would go a long way to curb insecurity.

It is a bottom-up approach to policing because it involves decentralising security responsibilities to local levels as well as empowering states to take ownership of security in their territory,” TMSG stated.

The group also highlighted safeguards in the proposed system, noting that a National Police Council would provide guidelines to states, maintain oversight of state police, and retain federal jurisdiction over national security and inter-state issues.

“While we are not unaware of concerns about possible abuse, we are encouraged about the safeguards that the federal legislature has been contemplating in terms of provisions for a National Police Council,” the statement added.

TMSG urged the National Assembly to expedite the process, especially as the amendment must also pass through state legislatures. The group said Nigerians were eagerly awaiting the completion of the constitutional amendment to ensure a decentralised policing framework across the country.