Tinubu showed courage, statesmanship on state police - Metuh

Olisa Metuh, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, has lauded President Bola Tinubu's administration for the passage of the State Police Bill, terming it a "historic milestone in Nigeria’s security reform." Metuh, who is also the Director of Mobilisation and Enlightenment of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, stated that the bill's successful passage represents "one of the most significant achievements of the present administration."

Metuh emphasized that President Tinubu has shown "courage, foresight, and statesmanship" by championing a reform that previous governments failed to implement despite widespread public backing. He noted that the establishment of state police fulfills a long-standing demand for decentralized policing to create a more effective and responsive security framework. This achievement, he believes, will be prominently recorded in Nigeria's democratic and security history.

“

President Tinubu has demonstrated courage, foresight, and statesmanship by championing a reform that successive administrations were unable to accomplish despite widespread public support.

The former PDP spokesman asserted that state police offer a "practical solution to many of the security concerns facing our country." He anticipates improvements in community policing due to better local knowledge, enhanced intelligence gathering, and quicker responses to threats. The new structure is expected to aid in combating kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, terrorism, and cultism, while also providing greater protection for rural and vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, Metuh suggested the reform will stimulate job creation through recruitment and training, bolster Nigeria's federal structure by empowering states in security matters, and alleviate the operational burden on federal agencies. He also pointed to increased accountability and accessibility of law enforcement. Metuh urged state governors to collaborate with the federal government on implementation, prioritizing citizen protection and law and order. He also called for safeguards against potential misuse of the new policing powers from the National Assembly, state governments, and civil society.

“

The primary objective must be the protection of citizens and the preservation of law and order.