President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has doubled down on his push for state police and full local government autonomy, telling All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders that both reforms are non-negotiable if Nigeria is to tackle insecurity and strengthen grassroots governance.
Speaking on Thursday, December 19, at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the APC, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu disclosed that he had already assured the United States and European partners that Nigeria would establish state police.
He said he was confident the ruling party would back the move.
“I had a very long discussion with them. US and European partners, and I was bragging to them that we will definitely pass a state police bill to improve security.
“They asked me if I’m confident, and I said, ‘Yes, I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen,’ and if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail,” Tinubu stated.
The President said the APC, as the majority party, must set the tone nationally by reconciling internal differences, showing tolerance and demonstrating leadership from the grassroots up.
He told governors and other senior stakeholders that they must own whatever happens in their states and local governments.
His comments came against the backdrop of rising insecurity, persistent calls for decentralised policing, and long-standing accusations that some governors divert or control council funds, a practice critics say has crippled grassroots development.
Tinubu urged party leaders to take their responsibilities “seriously,” arguing that effective local governance is essential to stabilising communities. He also commiserated with Bayelsa State over the death of its Deputy Governor and called for prayers for Nigeria
