Trump appraisal: APC chieftain seeks deeper security reforms
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- An APC chieftain, Femi Sanni, cited US President Donald Trump's commendation of President Tinubu's anti-terrorism efforts as a reason for Nigeria to enhance its security reforms.
- Sanni called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments, and international partners to combat insecurity.
- He reiterated his advocacy for constitutional amendments to establish state police forces, arguing for empowered subnational governments in security matters.
Femi Sanni, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and governorship aspirant in Kwara State, believes that United States President Donald Trump's positive remarks on President Bola Tinubu's anti-terrorism efforts highlight the necessity for Nigeria to deepen its security reforms. Sanni views Trump's comments as an endorsement of the current administration's evolving security strategy.
However, Sanni emphasized that more comprehensive reforms are crucial for effectively tackling insecurity in the country. He advocated for enhanced collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, and international partners, stressing that security challenges demand a coordinated and unified response.
Sanni renewed his call for constitutional amendments to enable the establishment of state police forces. He argued that empowering subnational governments is essential to complement the efforts of federal security agencies. According to him, strengthening intelligence gathering, promoting community-based policing, and improving cooperation across all government tiers are vital components in the fight against terrorism.
The APC chieftain based his advocacy for state police and stronger subnational governance on the principle that security measures are more effective when implemented closer to the populace. He believes that empowering states would not only bolster internal security but also foster socio-economic development. Sanni urged Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration's security initiatives while calling for sustained reforms, robust institutions, and deeper federal-state cooperation.
The fight against insecurity requires stronger subnational institutions, improved intelligence gathering, community-based policing and closer collaboration among all tiers of government.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.