President Bola Tinubu has declared that the establishment of state police can no longer be delayed, insisting that all hands must be on deck to combat insecurity across the country.
Speaking last night after breaking the Ramadan fast (Iftar) with governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said: “What I promised you will not be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity. Start looking around you.”
The governors, through deliberations at the National Economic Council (NEC), had earlier agreed on the urgent need for state police to tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes exploiting ungoverned spaces in the states.
However, key details—such as operational modalities, funding, command structure, and the relationship between state police and federal security agencies—remain unresolved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, about 20 governors, and other dignitaries attended the Iftar.
The President also used the occasion to urge governors to extend development to the grassroots, ensuring that ordinary Nigerians feel the dividends of democracy.
“I appeal again, let’s go further to embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all our supporters. Be all-encompassing and let’s spread development opportunities to the grassroots, the local governments,” he said.
Tinubu described the rare coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season as a powerful symbol of shared values.
“The period symbolises discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience and strong determination for us to continue to brace together, pray together and love one another.
It is a joy and a great honour to be with you again this year. We give thanks to Almighty God for sparing our lives and keeping us together to see another Ramadan, a great Ramadan that coincides with that of the Christian faith.”
He commended the governors for their commitment and progress in their states, noting: “I’ve seen a lot of progress being made in the states. I can’t commend you enough. The reward of hard work is more work.”
The President singled out Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, calling him “my son, the farmer from Niger,” and praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his inclusive Ramadan outreach to both Christians and Muslims.
Addressing internal party tensions, Tinubu advised APC members to exercise tolerance during ongoing congresses.
“I will advise those who are in the same party with me to please bear in mind that those little ones, too, do cry. Tolerate everybody. Build the structure in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are preaching. Do it. Let the young ones breathe.”
Acknowledging ongoing criticisms and commendations of his administration, the President called for unity and determination to rescue Nigeria.
“There are a lot of complaints and commendations coming from all angles. They will come at me too, but as long as we brace together, move together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.
We’re out of the woods. We’re out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is picking up. Let’s help those who are unemployed.”
Responding on behalf of the governors, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the simultaneous fasting periods as a special moment that should unite rather than divide Nigerians.
“It is once in a while that you see a coincidence of Christian fasting and Muslim fasting at the same time. This is special, and what it teaches us is that religious and ethnic issues should not divide us. We need to be more united as a country to develop our nation.”
Uzodimma praised Tinubu for creating an atmosphere of unprecedented political stability and forging national partnerships with governors.
“Mr President, you have brought into governance a new atmosphere. I have been around for some time, playing politics, and never in the history of this country have we had the opportunity of removing political tension from our political environment.”
He pledged continued collaboration: “My brother governors will continue to partner with you. We appreciate the reform policies you have introduced for state governments, the support and interventions, the ingenuity you have brought to bear, and the new tax reforms you have initiated.”
Uzodimma prayed for the President’s continued strength, good health, and wisdom.
The Iftar is part of a series of planned sessions during Ramadan, with other groups of Nigerians expected to join the President in breaking the fast in the coming days.
