We will establish state police to curb insecurity, Tinubu vows

Says ‘What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed’

.Urges unity, inclusive governance at Ramadan Iftar with Governors, others

Emeka Agu with agency report

President Bola Tinubu has pledged that his administration would establish state police to crush insecurity in the country. He spoke at an interfaith breaking of fast with governors and senior officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday night.

President Tinubu also assured that what he promised Nigerians before he became President in 2023 will be fulfilled.

He said: “What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed. Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace.

“We will establish state police to curb insecurity. This is not about politics. It is about practicality. It is about empowering states with the tools to protect their people while strengthening our national framework.

“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear.

“Nigeria will be safer. Nigeria will be stronger. And together, we must commit to making it so.”

He highlighted the significance of Ramadan coinciding with the Christian Lenten season, calling for discipline, sacrifice, faith and unity.

“You know what it means, discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience and love for one another,” he said.

Tinubu urged the governors to embrace unity, tolerance and inclusive leadership.

“In this period of unity, harmony and sacrifice, let the young ones breathe too,” he advised.

He commended the governors for progress recorded in their states.

“I’ve seen a lot of progress being made in the states. I can’t commend you enough,” the president said.

Tinubu assured them that the country was overcoming economic challenges.

“We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The best is yet to come for Nigeria,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to strengthening security and promoting development across the grassroots.

The president urged leaders to embrace the downtrodden and spread opportunities widely.

Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, commended Tinubu for fostering national unity during the interfaith gathering.

“It is not often that the Muslim Ramadan fast coincides with the Lenten 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 political activities,” Uzodimma said.

He praised the President’s leadership style, saying, “Never in the history of this country have we had the opportunity of removing political beacons, closing ranks with the President and governors, and allowing a harmonious political environment to prevail.”

Uzodimma pledged continued partnership, saying, “Nigerian governors will continue to work with you.

“We have appreciated the new reform policies you brought, the deliveries you have given to state governors to operate, the support and the interventions you have created.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and several cabinet members among others attended the gathering.

Prayers were offered by the State House Chief Imam, Abdulwaheed Sulaiman, for Muslims and Governor Kefas for Christians.

The dinner marked the third consecutive year of Tinubu’s annual tradition of hosting political and government leaders for Ramadan Iftar.