State Police Bill passage a major victory for Tinubu’s security agenda – TMF

The Tinubu Media Force (TMF), a leading progressive grassroots media network, has described the Senate’s passage of the State Police Bill on Thursday as a major milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Hon. Oluwagbenga Abiola (Agbelebu), the group said the President had demonstrated exceptional courage, foresight and statesmanship by advancing the long-standing national conversation on state policing into a concrete reform agenda.

According to the organisation, the Senate’s approval of the bill represents one of the most significant security reform initiatives in Nigeria’s democratic history.

TMF noted that the evolving and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the country demand innovative, community-driven and decentralised policing solutions.

The group said President Tinubu’s support for State Police reflects a deep understanding of the security realities facing communities across Nigeria and an appreciation that effective policing thrives on local intelligence, community trust, rapid response capabilities and a thorough understanding of the unique security dynamics of each state.

It observed that Nigerians across political, regional and ideological divides have, for decades, advocated for a more responsive policing structure capable of complementing the efforts of federal security agencies.

According to the group, the President has moved beyond rhetoric by providing the political will needed to advance a reform widely regarded as essential for national stability, public safety and sustainable development.

TMF also commended the Nigerian Senate for the swift passage of the bill, describing the upper legislative chamber’s action as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to addressing one of the country’s most pressing security concerns.

“The security of lives and property remains the foundation upon which economic growth, investment, social stability and national prosperity are built. The ongoing efforts to establish State Police represent a bold attempt to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve intelligence gathering, enhance emergency response capabilities and deepen collaboration between security agencies and local communities,” the statement said.

The group urged Nigerians not to view the proposed reform through partisan lenses, stressing that State Police is a national imperative aimed at strengthening the federation and improving the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

TMF further noted that the initiative aligns with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build stronger institutions, promote good governance and create an environment where citizens and businesses can thrive without fear or insecurity.

While acknowledging that constitutional safeguards, accountability mechanisms and clear operational frameworks would be essential to the successful implementation of State Police, the organisation expressed confidence that ongoing consultations among stakeholders would produce a model that protects citizens’ rights while enhancing public safety.

The group called on political leaders, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, security experts and Nigerians across all sectors to support constructive dialogue and contribute meaningfully to the emergence of a security framework that reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

TMF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms aimed at strengthening national unity, improving governance and securing a safer future for Nigeria.