Insecurity: Southern Nigerian Governors, Traditional Rulers Harp On Creation Of State Police, Rally Support For President Tinubu

ABEOKUTA – The Governors of Southern Nigeria on Wednesday made a strong case for the creation of State Police, describing it as “a non-negotiable element of true federalism” and the most effective way to confront evolving security threats.

The Southern Governors met at the Iperu residence of the governor Dapo Abiodun at the inaugural joint meeting of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council.

The strategic meeting brought together governors from the South-East, South-South, and South-West to deliberate on rising security challenges, regional integration, and coordinated socio-economic development.

Welcoming the governors, Chairman, Southern Governors Forum, Prince Abiodun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his “transformative and visionary leadership,” particularly his economic reforms under the Renewed Hope agenda.

He stated that the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent fiscal reforms had restored discipline to the nation’s finances, stabilised the foreign exchange market, and attracted renewed international confidence—evident in Nigeria’s improved ratings and oversubscribed bond issuances.

He also praised the President’s decisive response to recent school abductions, noting that his personal involvement in rescue coordination demonstrated “rare commitment and empathy” toward safeguarding Nigerian children.

He stated that recent kidnappings and coordinated criminal attacks across the country had reinforced the urgency of decentralising policing.

“It is important to state clearly that the creation of State Police remains a non-negotiable component of our collective demand for true federalism and effective grassroots security.

“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face.

“The recent incidents across the country reinforce the urgency of decentralising policing so that states can take direct responsibility for safeguarding their citizens.

“A unified Southern position on State Police will not only enhance intelligence gathering and early-warning capabilities but also strengthen our ability to secure schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure across our states, he said.

Governor Abiodun stated that Southern Nigeria must adopt a proactive and integrated security framework anchored on intelligence-sharing, border protection, safe-school systems, corridor surveillance, and strong community participation.

His words “ A real-time digital security and intelligence-sharing platform linking all Southern states will ensure seamless communication and rapid threat alerts. A comprehensive Safe School Programme must be established to protect educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable locations.

“Joint audits of major transport corridors—road, rail, and maritime—will help identify weak points and inform the deployment of sentinel units and rapid response teams. Community–Private Security Partnerships should be strengthened to bring together local vigilance groups, youth teams, private security firms, and formal security agencies within one coordinated ecosystem.

“A dedicated Regional Rapid Response Fund will also be essential for emergency deployments, rescue operations, forensic support, and inter-state training. At the state level, measures such as mandatory documentation of foreign nationals, dismantling unlawful enclaves, regulating scavenger activities, intensified forest operations, and a crackdown on illegal mining must be pursued with renewed vigour”.

Governor Abiodun also called for decisive regional action against cultism, kidnapping, banditry, internet fraud, pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering, and farmer-herder conflicts.

Similarly, the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council has declared unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, urging all Nigerians to rally behind the leader in the face of current challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “Nigeria is bigger than all of us”, stressing that the country is facing a “very strong external threat” that requires collective effort to overcome.

The meeting comes amid growing concerns over national security, with the traditional rulers pledging to work together to address the challenges facing the country.

Oba Ogunwusi, who is the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, called on the traditional rulers to repose confidence on the president, saying, “We can’t leave him alone. He’s our leader right now, and we need to support him in this area.”

Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the critical role traditional rulers play in engaging with their people, adding, “We are the closest to our people. We’ll continue to engage our people, and we’ll all face it headlong.”

In attendant were: Governor Alex Otti of Abia, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, among others.

Other traditional rulers at the highly important meeting are; His Royal Majesty, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, His Royal Majesty,  Eze Ilomuanya, CON, Obi of Obinugwu, Imo state, Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, Olofin of Isheri, Ogun State, Oba Sulaiman Ayodele, His Eminence, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Okon Abasi, the Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Ademola, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, CFR and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade among others.

A communiqué detailing the council’s discussions and decisions is expected to be released soon.