The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has praised President Bola Tinubu for openly supporting the creation of state police, describing it as a bold step to reshape Nigeria’s security system.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group said the President’s position aligns with his long-standing belief in decentralized policing.
The group recalled that the first major attempt to establish state police in recent years was in 2018, when the then Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, sponsored a bill.
Even though Ekweremadu chaired the National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee at the time, the bill did not succeed. Another attempt was made in 2020, but it also failed.
TMSG noted that the current momentum is different, as Tinubu’s open backing comes at a time when both chambers of the National Assembly are already working on a bill for state police.
According to the group, the President’s stance is a strong message to lawmakers, urging them to speed up work on amending Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, which only allows for a federal police system.
The group said Tinubu’s support shows his belief that state police is the right solution to insecurity in Nigeria and will help address local policing needs.
TMSG also pointed out that this is the first time a sitting President has publicly declared support for state police.
It added that past leaders only backed the idea after leaving office. For example, former President Goodluck Jonathan only spoke in support after his tenure, while former President Muhammadu Buhari opposed the move, saying in a 2022 interview that state police was not the answer.
The group explained that Buhari’s opposition reflected fears that state governments could misuse state police or use them to intimidate opponents.
But TMSG expressed confidence that Tinubu will put measures in place to prevent such abuse or political interference.
According to the group, there are already signs that the federal government may design safeguards by creating a central body to oversee the process and ensure uniform standards nationwide.
It said this means the state police President Tinubu envisions will not be completely under the control of governors.
The group stressed that while political debates will continue, they must not be allowed to stop much-needed security reforms.
TMSG concluded that state police, if properly implemented, could become one of the most significant achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.
