NGF to submit state police framework to National Assembly -- Abdulrazaq
… Says governors deepening collaboration with security agencies to tackle insecurity … Leads 25 governors to Tinubu in Lagos, hails UK visit gains From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja The Nigeria Governors’
... Says governors deepening collaboration with security agencies to tackle insecurity
... Leads 25 governors to Tinubu in Lagos, hails UK visit gains
From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has disclosed that a comprehensive framework on the establishment of state police will soon be submitted to the National Assembly, as part of intensified efforts to address the country’s lingering security challenges.
Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made this known on Sunday when he led 25 state governors on a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, were among senior officials of the administration who attended the meeting.
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Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, AbdulRazaq said the governors were already working closely with security agencies, under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, to finalise a legislative proposal that would provide the legal backing for state police across the federation.
“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Adviser, 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,” he said.
The NGF chairman emphasised that the move underscores a renewed commitment by sub-national governments to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through closer collaboration with federal authorities and security forces.
He assured that governors across the country are united in their resolve to confront insecurity, noting that enhanced cooperation with security agencies would be sustained to defeat terrorism and other threats to national stability.
“As governors, we commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism, steady and expand infrastructure opportunities and improve outcomes of the lives of our people,” AbdulRazaq added.
The governors’ visit, which coincided with the Ramadan and Lenten season, was also an opportunity to extend season’s greetings to the President and congratulate him on his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
AbdulRazaq described the UK trip, the first such state visit in 37 years, as “bold and significant,” noting that it signals a renewed phase in Nigeria’s bilateral relations with the United Kingdom.
He expressed optimism that agreements and investment proposals secured during the visit would translate into economic growth and greater prosperity for Nigerians.
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“We are confident that the bilateral agreements presently signed, and the new rapprochement on issues of shared interest, which would strengthen existing relationships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, will bring more prosperity to our people,” he said.
The NGF chairman also commended President Tinubu for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has deepened citizens’ sense of inclusion in national development and holds promise for improved security outcomes.
According to him, collective efforts by leaders at all levels, anchored on unity, compassion, and shared responsibility, remain critical to achieving lasting peace and prosperity.
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“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end,” he stressed.
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The visit, attended by 25 governors from across the federation, underscored what AbdulRazaq described as strong solidarity and support for the President’s leadership.
He noted that the large turnout, despite short notice, reflected the governors’ respect for Tinubu and confidence in his administration’s direction.
“This is not a time to discuss policy issues; we will meet with you later on that. Today is to celebrate with you and thank God for where we are today and what we have achieved with your leadership,” he said.
Governors at the meeting were: Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Imo State; Alex Otti, Abia State; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Hyacinth Alia, Benue State; Bassey Otu, Cross River State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State; Francis Nwifuru, Ebonyi State; Monday Okpebholo, Edo State; Peter Mbah, Enugu State; Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State; and Umar Namadi, Jigawa State.
Others: Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State; Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State; Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State; Caleb Mufwang, Plateau State; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State; Agbu Keffas, Taraba State; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State.
The deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also at the meeting.
