Clarion Chukwurah writes open letter to Tinubu over insecurity
Actress Clarion Chukwurah has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to introduce immediate security measures while Nigeria awaits the establishment of state police.
In an open letter shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, the 61-year-old commended the president for initiating the process of creating state police, describing it as a step in the right direction.
She, however, expressed concern that it could take one to two years before the new policing system becomes fully operational, especially in rural communities where kidnappings remain widespread.
Chukwurah argued that the administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity are being hindered by internal political pressure, external interference and what she described as ineffective approaches to addressing poverty and unemployment.
“PRESIDENT SIR, 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,” she wrote.
“Sir, we know the process that will lead to its actual full scale operations in every state will take at least one to two yrs, especially in extending it’s operations into the villages in the rural states where the activities of kidnappers are overwhelming and requires immediate urgent solution.”
The actress urged the president to channel part of the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund to community vigilante groups, saying they should be empowered to bear arms and defend their communities until state police becomes operational.
She also called for support to schools to enable them employ armed security personnel to protect pupils, students and teachers.
“Sadly, your Govt is facing internal political pressure, external political interference and it’s own corrupt, dispassionate and shadow boxing ideas on the issue of combating widespread poverty due to mass unemployment which is mostly responsible for growing crime in Nigeria,” she added.
“Sir, the average Nigerian living in poverty does not believe that you are not the enemy, or understand that there are challenges your govt has to face.
“This is why I have chosen to make this plea because there cannot be any meaningful progress in the current state of Nigeria crippled by insecurity and poverty from the present economic crisis no matter how well meaning your intentions are.
“Mr. President, PLS, direct the use of a part of the Billions of the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund to Support Community Self Defense through vigilantes who are given the capacity to bear arms and protect their communities.
“We know that only cowards kidnap children for money, and keep a 2-year-old child in captivity in the forest to endure rainfall, poor nutrition, heat, and mosquitoes. Kidnapping has thrived in Nigeria because the kidnappers, neighborhood informants, and complicit Police Officers, know that the victims are powerless and helpless.
“Mr President, by enabling this immediate line of defense for every community before State Police become fully operational, especially the massive population of unemployed poor, and, assistance to schools to employ armed security men to defend the lives of children and teachers, you will replace the face of indifference on your leadership with that of compassion.”
Chukwurah’s appeal comes as efforts to establish state police continue to gain momentum. Last week, President Tinubu transmitted the Constitution Alteration State Police Bill, 2026 to the Senate, seeking to create a constitutional framework for a dual policing system that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
The Senate has since passed the constitutional amendment bill, but it must still be approved by at least two thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can be signed into law.
Nigeria has continued to face security challenges, with kidnappings, bandit attacks and other violent crimes recorded across several parts of the country.
