By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said Nigeria could establish state police within a month, as about 30 state assemblies have reportedly endorsed the constitutional amendment. He made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving members of the Arewa Revival Project, a northern youth group. Akpabio also urged youths across the 19 northern states to mobilize grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
State Police May Become Reality Soon
Akpabio said the proposed establishment of state police could strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. He explained that the constitutional amendment process had reached an advanced stage.
According to him, about 30 state Houses of Assembly have endorsed the proposal. He expressed optimism that the country could introduce decentralized policing soon.
“As I speak with you now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, it may not take us a month before we have a state police system,” Akpabio said.
He added that decentralized policing would help strengthen national security. However, the proposal remains part of the ongoing constitutional reform process.
State police has generated considerable debate across Nigeria. Supporters argue that state-controlled police formations could respond faster to local security threats.
Akpabio also expressed confidence that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security challenges.
“The devil that you see today, you will soon see them no more. Very soon, we shall overcome the insecurity that we face today,” he said.
Akpabio Urges Northern Youths to Support Tinubu
The Senate President urged members of the Arewa Revival Project to intensify grassroots mobilization for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He said youths should help Nigerians understand the administration’s policies and the arguments for continuity in government.
Akpabio spoke while receiving the group, led by its coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim, at his office. The delegation presented him with an award recognising his contributions to nation-building.
In his response, Akpabio encouraged the group to engage communities directly. He said grassroots outreach could help young Nigerians better understand government policies.
He also urged youths to challenge what he described as misinformation and propaganda on social media.
Akpabio Accuses Critics of Receiving Payments
Akpabio alleged that some people criticizing Tinubu and his supporters on social media receive payment for their activities.
However, he did not provide evidence to support the allegation during the remarks contained in the report.
He urged members of the youth group to counter such criticism through direct engagement with Nigerians.
“It is not going to be easy for you because most of those who are attacking the President and attacking these young men on social media are being paid,” he said.
Akpabio added that the government’s policies aimed to stabilize the country and protect the future of young Nigerians.
He therefore encouraged the group to explain the administration’s decisions at the grassroots rather than rely solely on online exchanges.
Senate President Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
The former Akwa Ibom governor defended Tinubu’s economic policies, including the ongoing tax reforms.
He argued that the administration was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil and diversify the economy.
Akpabio also cited changes to existing laws and tax policies as examples of the government’s efforts to introduce economic reforms.
“I expect the Nigerian youth to rise above social media propaganda because this President has managed to take us out of a mono-economy,” he said.
He maintained that the administration was addressing economic challenges while pursuing reforms intended to support Nigeria’s long-term development.
Akpabio also praised the National Assembly’s relationship with the President. He said lawmakers supported Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
2027 Election Campaigns Gather Momentum
Tinubu’s expected re-election bid in 2027 comes as opposition groups seek to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio’s appeal to northern youths highlights the importance of grassroots mobilization ahead of the election.
Meanwhile, the proposed state police system remains a major issue in Nigeria’s constitutional reform debate.
The proposal’s progress will depend on the completion of the required constitutional amendment process. If approved, it could reshape policing responsibilities between federal and state authorities.
