President Bola Tinubu has urged the National Assembly to begin amending the Constitution to allow the creation of State Police. He made the appeal during an interfaith breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stressing the need to tackle terrorism, banditry and insecurity.

Tinubu said Nigeria is facing serious security threats and that state-controlled policing would help secure forests and protect citizens. He promised that the plan to establish State Police would not be delayed, noting that it requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and approval by at least 24 state assemblies.

The President also addressed criticism that he is weakening the opposition, saying defections to the ruling party are voluntary. He called for unity among political leaders to confront insecurity and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Tinubu praised lawmakers for supporting his economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification. He described the reforms as necessary steps to end corruption and stabilize the economy.