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The Nigeria Governors Forum said it has submitted its contribution on the proposed state police framework to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with the document expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly.
Kwara State Governor, cum NGF Chairman, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this on Sunday during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
Governor AbdulRazaq, stated that discussions on state police were ongoing among various security organisations, led by the National Security Adviser, adding that the NGF had made its contribution to the process.
“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Advisor, and the NGF has made its contribution.
“That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police” the governor stated.
He reaffirmed governors’ commitment to renewing their collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism, expand infrastructure, and improve the lives of citizens.
“As governors, we commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism steadily, expand infrastructure opportunities and improve the lives of our people” AbdulRazaq said.
He emphasised the need for collective effort to end security breaches across the country.
“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end” he said.
The NGF chairman also called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to commit to the virtues of piety, selflessness, compassion, unity, and mutual understanding for collective security, happiness, and prosperity.
He noted that about 25 governors attended the meeting at short notice.
“As you can see here today, we have about 25 governors who attend at short notice; it’s a respect we have for you and the leadership you’re providing for the nation,” AbdulRazaq said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government functionaries were present at the meeting.
The state police proposal has been a subject of intense debate, with proponents arguing that it would enhance security by bringing policing closer to communities, while critics express concerns about potential abuse by governors.
The new Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, had in February, set up a committee to work out modalities for the establishment of state police.
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