Northern Governors back President Tinubu’s recent decision to curb worsening insecurity

Northern Governors back President Tinubu recent decision to curb worsening insecurity

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has officially thrown its support behind the creation of state police.

This comes as regional leaders and influential groups express growing concern over the deteriorating security situation across the North.

The NSGF’s stance was confirmed by Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the director-general of press affairs for Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the chairman of the forum.

According to Misilli, the governors of the 19 northern states unanimously adopted a resolution to support state police during a recent meeting with traditional leaders in Kaduna.

The governors are now urging the National Assembly to “expedite action” by providing the necessary laws to establish state police.

This move aligns with a renewed push by President Bola Tinubu, who has also voiced his commitment to the initiative.

The NSGF’s decision follows increasing calls from prominent northern groups for a more decisive approach to insecurity.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) had previously lamented that the North was being pushed to “defend itself.”

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) recently called on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security in the region.

The governors of the six North-East states also met with President Tinubu, highlighting their concerns about worsening insecurity.

While the move is widely supported, some voices are urging caution. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has emphasized that the creation of state police must follow proper constitutional procedures and not be used as a political tool by governors against their opponents.

Similarly, former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani took to social media to warn those celebrating the move, suggesting they should be prepared for potential negative consequences.

The debate highlights key concerns, including:

Funding: Questions have been raised about whether states have the financial capacity to properly fund a state police force.

Political Misuse: There are fears that governors could use a state police force to target critics and political rivals.

Constitutional Process: The ACF has stressed that the establishment of state police requires a constitutional amendment, which must be handled by the National Assembly.