Tinubu to governors: Let’s work together to achieve state police instead of vigilantes everywhere 

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated that he would be leading the charge towards the creation of state police in Nigeria. 

The president gave the assurance at a meeting with governors of the 36 States and the federal capital territory minister, Nyesom Wike.  

The meeting was called to address the pressing challenge of  food crisis which has sparked protest in some parts of the country. 

According to highlights of the meeting made available to the media by Tinubu’s aide on communication and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president and governors agreed to work together to solve the problems of food shortages and tackle the economic pressure being faced by the citizens. 

Excerpt of the highlight is republished below

1. On addressing insecurity which is also affecting farming and food production, President Tinubu made 3 key pronouncements

1. More police personnel to be recruited to strengthen the force. 

1. President Tinubu informed the Governors that the Federal Government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender state police instead of the vigilantes that are being used in some states. 

1. The President charged the Governors to strengthen their Forest Rangers and arm them to keep all the forest safe from criminals. 

1. Modalities for State Police and addressing security issues to be discussed further at National Economic Council. 

2. On rising cost of food: The President directed that the State Governments and Federal government should collaborate to increase local food production. The President advised against the idea of food importation and price control when local food producers should be encouraged to produce more food. 

3. President advised Governors to follow the example of Kano State in dealing with hoarding of food for profiteering by commodities merchants. He directed the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, Department of State Services to monitor warehouses hoarding food items across the country and stop profiteering by merchants.

4. President charged Governors to pay attention to livestock development in their states and increase production most especially poultry and fishing products. 

5. President pleaded with Governors to ensure all salary arrears to workers, gratuities to workers and pensioners are cleared as a way to put money into the hands of the people since states are now getting more monthly FAAC revenue. Spend the money, don’t spend the people, he urged the governors

6. President Tinubu implored Governors to create more economic opportunities for the youths in their states to keep them more productively engaged.