Veteran Nollywood actress Clarion Chukwurah has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to introduce immediate security measures to protect Nigerians while the proposed state police system is being established.
In an open letter shared on her Instagram page, the 61-year-old actress praised the President for pushing the state police initiative but warned that the country cannot afford to wait years before communities begin to feel safer.
Chukwurah commended Tinubu for championing the creation of state police, describing the move as a bold step toward tackling Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
She also acknowledged the President’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
“Mr. President, I applaud the fact that you once became a fugitive on behalf of democracy in Nigeria and your recent move to facilitate the creation of State Police to combat insecurity in our country.”
However, she noted that implementing the new policing structure across the country—particularly in rural communities—could take one to two years.
“Sir, we know the process that will lead to its actual full-scale operation in every state will take at least one to two years, especially in extending its operations into the villages in the rural states where the activities of kidnappers are overwhelming and require immediate urgent solution.”
The actress urged the Federal Government to use part of the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund to strengthen community vigilante groups.
According to her, properly trained and authorised vigilantes should be allowed to bear arms and defend their communities until state police becomes fully operational.
“Mr. President, please direct the use of part of the billions in the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund to support community self-defence through vigilantes who are given the capacity to bear arms and protect their communities.”
She argued that kidnappers continue to operate because many communities have little or no means of defending themselves.
Beyond community protection, Chukwurah also called on the government to help schools employ armed security personnel to safeguard students, teachers and other staff.
She said the country needs urgent interventions to prevent further attacks on educational institutions and vulnerable communities.
The veteran actress further argued that insecurity, poverty and unemployment remain interconnected challenges that continue to undermine the country’s development.
According to her, many Nigerians struggling with hardship no longer believe the government is working in their interest.
“There cannot be any meaningful progress in the current state of Nigeria, crippled by insecurity and poverty arising from the present economic crisis, no matter how well-meaning your intentions are.”
She also suggested that the administration is facing internal political pressure, external interference and ineffective strategies in tackling poverty and unemployment.
Chukwurah’s appeal comes as efforts to establish state police continue to advance.
Last week, President Bola Tinubu transmitted the Constitution Alteration State Police Bill, 2026 to the Senate, proposing a constitutional framework that would allow states to operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The Senate has since passed the constitutional amendment bill. However, it must still receive the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be signed into law.
Her appeal comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria, with kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks continuing to affect several parts of the country.
