President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the creation of state police as a key step toward strengthening security across the country.
The president made the remarks on Thursday night while addressing governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s caucus meeting held at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu revealed that he recently discussed the issue with US and European leaders, highlighting the establishment of state police as a strategy to enhance security nationwide.
“I had a very long discussion with the US and European leaders. I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass a state police to improve security,” he said.
“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.”
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing the supreme court ruling on local government autonomy, urging practical and effective implementation of the judgment.
“Let us equally look at the recent supreme court judgement. What can we do with it, and how well we can position our country and our party?” he asked.
“To me, the local government autonomy is and must be effective. Let us give them. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate.
“We give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the supreme court.”
The president called on governors to remain flexible and actively engaged in governance at all levels within their states.
“You have to navigate this country; whether we like it or not, you are in the leadership position that must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible and get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level,” Tinubu said.
He emphasised that governors must take leadership responsibilities seriously, stressing that direct funding for local governments is essential and non-negotiable for true autonomy.