State Police: Metuh Commends Tinubu, Describes Reform As Historic Milestone

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the passage of the State Police Bill, describing the development as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s security reform efforts.

Metuh, who serves as Director of Mobilization and Enlightenment for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, said the successful passage of the executive bill represented one of the most significant achievements of the current administration in addressing the country’s growing security challenges.

In a statement issued on Thursday, he commended President Tinubu for what he described as courage, foresight and statesmanship in championing a reform that previous administrations were unable to accomplish despite widespread public support.

According to him, the decentralisation of policing has long been advocated by Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious divides as a necessary step towards building a more effective and responsive security architecture.

“The successful passage of this Executive bill, initiated and introduced by President Tinubu, marks a turning point in Nigeria’s quest to address the growing security challenges confronting our nation,” Metuh said.

He noted that the establishment of state police would improve community policing through a better understanding of local languages, culture and terrain, while also enhancing intelligence gathering and collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Metuh added that the reform would facilitate faster responses to security threats and strengthen efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, terrorism, cultism and other violent crimes across the country.

He further argued that state police would provide greater protection for rural communities and vulnerable populations, create employment opportunities through recruitment and training, reduce the operational burden on federal security agencies and encourage investment by fostering a safer environment.

The former PDP spokesman also maintained that the initiative would deepen Nigeria’s federal structure by granting states a greater role in protecting lives and property.

While celebrating the development, Metuh called on governors across the federation to work closely with President Tinubu and the Federal Government to ensure the successful implementation of the reform.

He stressed that the primary objective of the initiative must remain the protection of citizens and the preservation of law and order.

Metuh also urged the National Assembly, state governments, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to establish strong legal and institutional safeguards against any possible abuse of state police structures.

According to him, state police must not become instruments of political intimidation or oppression but should operate professionally, independently and strictly within constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

“As Nigeria embarks on this historic journey, all stakeholders must place national interest above partisan considerations. If properly implemented, state police will significantly enhance internal security, strengthen grassroots policing and contribute to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.

He concluded by congratulating President Tinubu for what he described as a bold and transformative achievement that could redefine Nigeria’s security architecture for generations to come.