Nigerians React as Tinubu Earns Surprise Endorsement from Bode George

President Bola Tinubu has received rare public commendation from one of his longest-standing political critics, Chief Bode George, after the Federal Government formally moved to establish state police, triggering widespread reactions across the country.

George, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain who has consistently opposed Tinubu since the return of democracy in 1999, praised the proposed constitutional amendment, describing it as a bold and long-overdue reform of Nigeria’s security architecture.

Speaking in a viral video in Yoruba, the retired naval officer said, “This is what I have been advocating for over the years. I am surprised that this administration is following the same path. If something is good, we must commend it.”

He maintained that state police would improve security because officers would better understand the communities they serve.

“It is not ideal to deploy an officer who does not understand the geography, language and culture of a people to such an area,” George said.

President Tinubu recently transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the creation of state police to the National Assembly. The proposal is expected to undergo legislative consideration before requiring the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

George’s endorsement quickly sparked reactions online.

One commenter, Musa, wrote, “Opposition parties are the ones sad and heartbroken about state police because it has taken away their ability to keep politicising insecurity.”

Another user, Tolulope Kotun, said, “If something is good, let us praise it. I don’t think anyone qualifies to speak more about security than Bode George because he is a retired military officer.”