President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, declared that to permanently secure the Nigerian people, his administration must reform the national security architecture.
Tinubu said his administration was fully mobilised to hunt down terrorists, bandits, and other subversive elements threatening national security, wherever they might be.
The president, who spoke on Sunday in Lokoja at a memorial event for former Kogi State Governor, Abubakar Audu, also vowed to restore the peace craved by every Nigerian.
Represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu stated that restoring peace, strengthening national security, and expanding economic opportunities remained the top priorities of his administration.
He stated, “The recent declaration of a state of emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity.
“As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities.
“We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian. But to secure our people permanently, we must reform the very architecture of our security.
“Yet, we are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve. Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action.”
Tinubu also stated that the state of emergency declared recently on national security was not a symbolic rhetoric, but a signal of renewed commitment to the expansion of security manpower, modernised intelligence, and strategic reforms, including the advancement of state police as a community-sensitive solution to local threats.
He stated, “This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of State Police. We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces.
“It will also boost employment in the grassroots. This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through.”
The president assured that the his government was also intensifying international diplomacy to correct false narratives that misrepresented Nigeria’s religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He highlighted the ongoing reforms in key sectors of the economy, stating that his administration is modernising livestock farming framework in order to turn areas of historical tension into engines of economic development and peaceful coexistence.
According to Tinubu, “We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry. This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy.
“Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering lasting peace between our farming and herding communities.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Audu, Tinubu said the former governor was a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
He said Audu was a leader whose foresight helped to shape the governance foundation of Kogi State and contribute to Nigeria’s transition into stable civilian rule.
The president said Audu’s political career was not an episode of personal ambition, but an enduring contribution to state-building and institutional strength.
He said Audu also viewed leadership in that same spirit where service was measured by impact, not applause.
He stated, “We are gathered to honour a giant. A man whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of our democratic journey. Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder.
“As the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, first in 1992 and again as a pioneer in 1999, Prince Audu carved out a vision for Kogi State and helped lay the foundation for our nation’s enduring democracy.
“He was my formidable ally, a brother in the struggle, and one of the founding fathers who, with courage and conviction, laid the foundations upon which our democratic ideals now stand.
“His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance. It is a template this administration is committed to honouring, not just in words, but in concrete action.”
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke, Hammed Shittu, Segun James, Ahmad Sorondinki, Ibrahim Oyewale and Laleye Dipo
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