President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to state police, saying he believes in the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The President urged the National Assembly to review relevant laws to enable states to establish sub-national policing where necessary.
Tinubu spoke at a public lecture titled “Leading Nigeria Forward: Strategies for Security and National Cohesion,” organised by the Abia State government to mark the 70th birthday of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), in Umuahia, the state capital, on Friday night.
He said, “Let me restate our commitment to the decentralisation of the nation’s policing system by bringing back sub-national policing as was obtainable in the First Republic.
“You will recall that I have already given a nod to the establishment of State Police.
“I have stressed the need for the National Assembly to begin the review of relevant laws, such that states that consider state police imperative are able to establish them.”
Tinubu added that the country’s size and diversity required additional policing structures to effectively address security challenges.
He called for unity, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should strengthen rather than divide the nation.
Tinubu congratulated Ihejirika on his birthday, describing him as a “patriot, pan-Nigerian and fine gentleman.”
The President, represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Ude, also described Ihejirika as a courageous general, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria.
He noted that Ihejirika served the country during “a very turbulent period in the war against insurgency and acquitted himself very credibly.”
Tinubu said the Federal Government remained committed to inclusive leadership in the nation’s security architecture, noting that Ihejirika was the last service chief from the South-East before his administration assumed office on May 29, 2023.
The President added that he appointed Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla from the South-East as Chief of Naval Staff on June 19, 2023, and Air Marshal Sunday Aneke in October 2025, also from the South-East, as Chief of Air Staff.
He said such appointments reflected the Federal Government’s resolve to foster national cohesion and give all regions a sense of belonging.
Tinubu said: “We will continue on this trajectory because it is only by giving every part of the country a sense of belonging in setting up the nation’s security architecture that we are able to bolster national cohesion, loyalty, and solidarity needed to overcome the enemies of our nation.”
He reiterated support for state police and urged the National Assembly to review relevant laws to enable states to establish sub-national policing where necessary.
In his address, the Abia State governor, Alex Otti, said Ihejirika’s birthday was deliberately marked alongside the inauguration of projects to honour his service and commitment to the state and nation.
Otti said politics should prioritise service over personal interests, adding that leadership must challenge entrenched norms.
He noted that Ihejirika was appointed Chairman of the Abia State Security Council on merit, and his contributions had strengthened security within the state.
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, described Ihejirika as a man whose life has been marked by service. Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Thompson Ugiagbe, noted that the contributions of the retired general significantly enhanced national security.
The Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (rtd), recounted what he described as professional encounters with Ihejirika, describing him as a leader who mentored officers and strengthened operational strategies.
Musa said Ihejirika’s introduction of long-range patrols influenced his own command approach, yielding significant operational improvements.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, described Ihejirika as a man of integrity and courage who promoted officers strictly on merit.
Keynote Speaker Ahmed Makarfi said effective leadership required vision, inclusivity, accountability, and the ability to inspire trust and cooperation—crucial for strengthening national security and governance.
He urged leaders to engage stakeholders discreetly, prioritise action over rhetoric, and leverage community cooperation for effective security management.
The Chairman of the occasion, Maj Gen Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), described Ihejirika as an exceptional officer, statesman, and courageous leader devoted to Nigeria and the development of his people.
Responding to the accolades, Ihejirika thanked God for preserving his life and enabling him to witness the milestone. The celebrant said he was overwhelmed by the turnout of over 200 generals and numerous officers at the event.
