We’ll Establish State Police To Combat Insecurity, Tinubu Reiterates

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has emerged from economic and security headwinds, assuring Nigerians that the country is now “out of the woods” and pledging to establish state police to tackle insecurity at the grassroots.

The President spoke at an interfaith breaking of fast held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, attended by 20 governors, two deputy governors, senior government officials and religious leaders, as Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians mark Lent.

Tinubu expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory, insisting that ongoing reforms were beginning to yield results despite initial pains.

“We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty,” the President declared, drawing applause from participants.

He acknowledged that Nigerians had faced economic strain and security concerns but maintained that the difficult phase was necessary to reposition the country for sustainable growth.

“The result of hard work is more work,” he said, urging political leaders to remain steadfast. “But as long as we bridge together and we move together and are determined to rescue this country, the best is yet to come to Nigeria.”

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to decentralise policing to strengthen the internal security architecture.

“To those unemployed, what I promise, we will establish State Police to combat security in our Local Government,” he said, underscoring the need to empower sub-national authorities to respond swiftly to local security challenges.

The President called for unity, sacrifice and faith, noting that the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent symbolised shared values across religious divides.

“You know what it means: discipline, sacrifice, faith, perseverance, strong determination for us to continue to bridge together, pray together and love one another. Love for the community, love for our neighbours and service for humanity,” he stated.

Tinubu commended governors for their cooperation with the Federal Government and expressed appreciation for their presence despite ongoing party congresses and state engagements.

“I thank God for what we’ve been able to achieve together. We’ve seen progress. We’ve seen commitment to duty,” he said.

He also urged state executives to extend development initiatives to the grassroots, stressing the importance of youth inclusion and community-level empowerment.

“Let’s go further to embrace the young ones and all the supporters with compassion, and let’s spread the development opportunity across to the grassroots,” he added.

Referencing Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, whom he described as “my son, the farmer from Niger,” Tinubu acknowledged that complaints and commendations coexist in governance but insisted that resilience would deliver long-term dividends.

Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, described the convergence of Ramadan and Lent as divinely ordained and praised the President for fostering unity.

“It is not often that the Muslim Ramadan fast coincides with the Lent season; the last time was 33 years ago. This convergence is a special situation created by God to remind us Christians and Muslims not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our thoughts and our political activities,” Uzodinma said.

He commended Tinubu’s reform initiatives and collaborative approach with governors, pledging continued partnership.

“My brother governors will continue to partner with you. We have appreciated the new reform policies you’ve given to state governments to operate, the support and the interventions, the ingenuity you have brought to bear, and the new tax reform you’ve introduced,” he stated.

Uzodinma also prayed for the President’s health and wisdom in steering the nation.

The event marked the third consecutive year of Tinubu’s annual interfaith fast-breaking tradition. Prayers were offered by the State House Chief Imam, Abdulwaheed, and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and several cabinet members were also in attendance, alongside governors from Abia, Ogun, Edo, Kogi, Borno, Gombe, Sokoto, Delta, Niger, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kano, Taraba, Ebonyi, Cross River, Plateau and Benue States.