High-Level Security Meetings Scheduled as Nigeria Tackles Rising Insecurity
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume has called for crucial meetings of the Council of State and Police Council amid escalating security concerns across Nigeria. The strategic sessions are set for Thursday, 9 October, at the Aso Villa Council Chambers in Abuja.
The announcement, made through SGF office spokesperson Segun Imohiosen on Monday, comes at a critical time when several states, including Kwara, Kogi, and Niger, face increased incidents of banditry and kidnapping for ransom.
According to Permanent Secretary Emanso Umobong of the Cabinet Affairs Office, the meetings will primarily address pressing national security challenges. The Council of State will convene at 1:00 p.m., with the Police Council session following at 2:00 p.m. Participants have the option to attend either in person or virtually.
The timing of these high-level discussions is particularly significant, following recent parliamentary developments on police reform. Just two weeks ago, the House of Representatives conducted public hearings on the establishment of state police, a proposal that has gained traction as a potential solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. Various stakeholders, including former and current leaders, security experts, and civil society organizations, have long advocated for police decentralization to enhance local security response.
The meetings align with President Bola Tinubu’s stated priority of strengthening national security and citizen safety, as emphasized in the SGF’s statement.
Constitutional Context:
The Council of State serves as a presidential advisory body comprised of current and former national leaders, including the president, vice president, former presidents, heads of state, former chief justices, Senate president, House of Representatives speaker, state governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. Its mandate includes advising on national security, key appointments, and policy direction.
The Police Council, chaired by the president, includes all 36 state governors, the Police Service Commission chairman, and the Inspector-General of Police, overseeing police administration and organization.
Looking Ahead:
Sources indicate that Thursday’s meetings will address not only the security situation but also the appointment of a new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairperson. Current INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, who was first appointed by late President Muhammadu Buhari on 21 October 2015 and reappointed on 27 October 2020, is scheduled to complete his tenure in November.
