Amid growing national insecurity, the Progressive Governors’ Forum has pledged its full support to President Bola Tinubu in tackling the country’s security challenges. The forum is also urging governors to bolster local safety through community policing initiatives.
Following a three-hour closed-door meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman and Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, told journalists that the governors are seriously considering the creation of state police. This aligns with a proposal made by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“We are united in our support for the president and remain committed to exploring all solutions, including state policing, to restore peace and security across the country,” Uzodimma said.
Governor Alia had earlier called for the establishment of state police during a stakeholders’ meeting held during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State.
“I firmly support the establishment of state police as a sustainable solution to the persistent insecurity in our state and across Nigeria,” Alia stated. “I understand the concerns, but the federal government can mitigate these with clear guidelines and regulatory frameworks.”
Governors Hold Emergency Security Meeting in Abuja
Meanwhile, governors from all 36 states, alongside their deputies, convened for an emergency session of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at the Forum’s secretariat in Abuja.
Although the official agenda was not revealed, the attendance of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru suggested a strong focus on addressing urgent security matters.
The meeting comes amid intensified insecurity across various regions of Nigeria, with mounting public pressure on both federal and state authorities to implement effective and coordinated responses.