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2024: Anglican bishop, Aladekugbe urges govt. to prioritise practical solutions over palliatives
The Bishop of Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Rt Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, has called on government at all levels to consider practical solutions in the new year rather than relying on palliatives.
Noting that such palliatives often fail to reach the populace and are exploited by unscrupulous politicians for personal gain, the Bishop urged all Nigerians to embrace righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, emphasising the need to fight the good fight of faith for eternal life.
Bishop Aladekugbe delivered these calls in his New Year message on Sunday, imploring the government to prioritise investment in local government interests over federal issues to bring tangible benefits to communities and avoid chaos.
He further emphasised the importance of ensuring that no religion or tradition takes precedence over the constitution in every part of the country, warning that failure to do so would hinder national unity.
“We appeal to government at all levels to make life meaningful and livable for the citizens; the citizens are hungry and angry. The cost of living is astronomically high and unbearable. We implore the government to invest more in local government interests than federal government issues. This way, people can feel the effect of having a government rather than chaos in most parts of community living. We also plead that no religion or tradition should take precedence over the constitution in every part of the country. Unless this happens, we are obviously not one people.”
The Bishop expressed concern about the continuous devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and urged the government to address it seriously. He criticised the soaring prices of food items, highlighting the incongruity of a bag of rice costing N60,000 in a country where the minimum wage is N30,000.
Addressing the issue of safety, he noted that citizens often feel unsafe in the country, leading some to relocate due to perceived better security services in other countries. He cited Nigeria’s low ranking on the 2023 Global Peace Index (144th out of 163 countries) as evidence of the high rates of crime and insecurity.
Looking ahead to 2024, Bishop Aladekugbe urged Nigerians, especially the Church, to make a difference in the face of corruption and societal challenges. Expressing gratitude for surviving the ups and downs of 2023, he acknowledged the challenges, including pre-election issues, Naira redesign, cash shortages, fuel scarcity, elections, change of governments, and the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.
“As we begin the new year, we implore everyone to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We must fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life. As Christians, if we keep the faith and refrain from contributing to the ills plaguing our country, others will surely have a re-think.”
The Bishop concluded by thanking God for the new year and offering prayers for joy, peace, security, and fulfillment for all in 2024. “Happy New Year to us all,” he added.”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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