Former vice-chair of the Igando Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Mrs Mojisola Badmus, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as tangible progress on national security since he took office. Speaking while distributing relief items during the Yuletide, Badmus urged the federal government to consider the establishment of state police in Nigeria to strengthen public safety at local level.
State police in Nigeria becomes central demand
Badmus said the president had done well over the past two years and that a move to state policing would allow individual states to respond more quickly to security threats. “President Tinubu has done so well since the past two years. He should consider setting up state police because of the security challenges facing the country,” she told attendees.
The event, which saw the distribution of items valued at millions of naira to the less privileged, doubled as a platform for Badmus to call attention to the needs of marginalised groups. She singled out people living with disabilities as a category that requires greater governmental attention and targeted programmes.
In remarks that mixed philanthropy with political advocacy, Badmus appealed to civil society and private individuals to complement government efforts. “I advise individuals and non-governmental organisations to come up with laudable programmes that will curb restiveness at the state and community levels,” she said, urging local initiatives that give citizens a sense of belonging.
Advocates of state policing argue it would allow governors to tailor security responses to local circumstances, reduce response times, and improve community policing. Opponents, however, warn that any shift must be accompanied by clear oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse and ensure adherence to human rights standards.
Badmus also framed her message in political terms, voicing support for the president’s re-election. “Let us support the re-election bid of President Tinubu in 2027,” she declared, linking continued security improvements and grassroots empowerment to political continuity.
Observers note that calls for state police have gained renewed traction in several states, driven by rising concerns over armed robbery, kidnappings and communal clashes. Proposals for state policing have been debated in the National Assembly and among state governments, with stakeholders calling for constitutional and legislative pathways to implementation.
At the local level, Badmus’ donation and advocacy reflect a broader trend of political figures using festive periods to combine charitable outreach with policy messaging. Her appeal to NGOs and private citizens highlights the role of non-state actors in filling service gaps and supporting community resilience.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, the debate over state police in Nigeria is likely to remain prominent. Supporters argue it offers a practical route to better local security, while critics insist that any reform must safeguard democratic accountability and intergovernmental cooperation.
For now, Mrs Badmus’ public commendation of President Tinubu and her call for state-level policing adds another voice to the national conversation on how best to protect citizens and strengthen peace at community level.
Key Takeaways:
- Former Igando Ikotun LCDA vice-chair Mojisola Badmus praises President Tinubu for progress on security and urges the creation of state police in Nigeria.
- Badmus donated items worth millions of naira to vulnerable households during the Yuletide and called for greater support for people with disabilities.
- She appealed to individuals and NGOs to fund community programmes to reduce restiveness and foster a sense of belonging.
- Badmus publicly backed President Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027, linking security gains with political continuity.
