President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has given assurances to the United States and the European Union that Nigeria will move towards the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen internal security across the country.
The President disclosed this on Thursday while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Tinubu also urged governors and party leaders to adopt a more inclusive and adaptable leadership approach, stressing the need for greater involvement in governance at all levels, particularly within local and rural communities.
According to him, leaders must remain open-minded, accommodating, and actively engaged in developments within their states, right down to the grassroots level.
“You must be flexible, tolerant, and fully involved in what is happening in your states, right down to the local government level,” the President said.
He revealed that during extended engagements with leaders from the United States and Europe, security reforms featured prominently in discussions, adding that he confidently assured them of Nigeria’s resolve to institutionalise state policing.
“I told them clearly that we will establish state police to enhance security. When they asked if I was confident, I said yes, because I have a party I can rely on. I have a party that will deliver,” Tinubu stated.
The President further called on party leaders to embrace reconciliation and unity, noting that collective leadership and cooperation were critical to sustaining progress and political stability.
He also referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, urging party stakeholders to carefully consider how best to implement it in a way that strengthens governance and democratic accountability.
According to Tinubu, genuine local government autonomy cannot exist without financial independence, stressing that councils must receive their allocations directly in line with the apex court’s ruling.
“There is no autonomy without proper funding. Local governments must get their funds directly.
“That is the clear position of the law, and we must comply,” he said, while urging leaders to approach governance with seriousness and responsibility.
