President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said that he had assured the United States and European partners that his administration would implement state police to boost security in Nigeria.

He said this during the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Mr Tinubu acknowledged concerns raised by foreign partners about the potential for governors to abuse state police but insisted that these fears were not strong enough to discard the proposal. He said adequate legal frameworks and checks would be put in place to prevent misuse.

The president said he had a long discussion with the country’s United States and European partners and assured them that state police would be used to improve security.

“I had a very long discussion with the U.S. and European governments. I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass state police to improve security.

“They asked me if I’m confident, and I said yes. I have a party to depend on, a party that will make it happen. And if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail,” stated Mr Tinubu.

He said that the responsibility for political reconciliation and internal party cohesion rested with leaders at all levels. The president said flexibility and tolerance were essential for stability and progress.

Mr Tinubu, who drew attention to the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, urged APC leaders to support its implementation to strengthen grassroots governance.

According to him, autonomy will be meaningless if councils are not adequately funded.

He insisted that allocations meant for local governments must go directly to them.

“Look at the recent Supreme Court judgment, what can we do with it, and how well can we position our country and our party? There is no autonomy without a funded mandate; give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the Supreme Court,” Mr Tinubu said.

The president further urged party leaders to take leadership “seriously”, noting that strong governance at the local level would help stabilise communities.

Mr Tinubu also appealed for greater inclusion of women in party leadership and participation, urging stakeholders to make provisions that would bring more women into the fold.