President Bola Tinubu renewed his call for state police while pledging support for legislative continuity during an interfaith Ramadan fast-breaking with House of Representatives members

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his call for the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, while also pledging support for initiatives aimed at reducing high turnover in the House of Representatives.

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The President made the remarks on Friday at the State House, Abuja, during an interfaith breaking of fast attended by members of the House of Representatives.

Addressing lawmakers, Tinubu emphasised that decentralising policing remains essential to effectively tackling insecurity across the country, noting that localised security structures would enhance rapid response and intelligence gathering.

He also assured legislators of his willingness to work through party mechanisms to promote continuity in the National Assembly, signalling support for the re-election of serving lawmakers.

“I will do everything within our party’s power. In several constituencies, there are rotational arrangements. I wish that everyone would return,” the President said.

Tinubu expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, stating that early doubts surrounding his administration’s reforms — particularly the removal of fuel subsidy — had begun to ease.

“It was initially very difficult for many to understand the direction of my thinking, but I am glad we are out of the dark tunnel. Many even thought we could reverse the subsidy removal. The tension has subsided,” he added.

The President commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering unity within the Green Chamber, describing the strong attendance at the event as evidence of effective legislative leadership.

In his remarks, Abbas thanked the President for sustaining the tradition of hosting lawmakers during Ramadan, noting that the overlap of Ramadan and Lent underscored national unity across religious lines.

The Speaker also raised concerns over legislative instability caused by the frequent turnover of lawmakers after general elections, revealing that as many as 80 per cent of National Assembly members often fail to return after each electoral cycle.

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According to him, the trend weakens institutional memory and slows legislative productivity due to the learning curve faced by new entrants. He appealed for presidential backing to improve lawmakers’ return rate ahead of the 2027 general elections.