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COVID-19: Our pupils’ lives matter, Oyo ALGON advises Makinde over reopening schools
Oyo state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has advised Governor Seyi Makinde on his government’s plan to reopen schools in the state for resumption of pupils, specifically students in Primary 6, Junior Secondary School Class 3 and Senior Secondary School Class 3.
Oyo ALGON also noted that reopening of schools may be the wish of many parents guardians, teachers and students because of the long time closure and academic time loss due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, adding that
this could have been a reason the governor, was eager to reopen the schools on June 29, 2020 for students to prepare for their examinations.
ALGON further advised Governor Makinde to apply great caution in rushing to reopen the schools following the sudden increase in cases of Covid-19 in Oyo State and many other states coupled with high casualty figures
The association in a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye on Sunday in Ibadan and made available to Mega Icon Magazine said, “On the face of it, the Governor’s action looks good and responsive to the people’s wish and anxiety. But we hasten to add that wishes and anxiety need to be measured carefully against coordinated verifiable medical scientific deductions in public health emergency like in the case of Covid-19 pandemic with its uncertainty, and projection at finding a cure for the global disease.
“As the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC severally declared, the nation is yet to flatten the curve and we are now at the inceasing rate of community transfer of the disease. The sudden increase in cases of Covid-19 in Oyo State and many other states coupled with high casualty figures is a pointer to the validation of NCDC position.
“Hence, the State Government should apply great caution in rushing to reopen the schools.
As it is now, Oyo State Covid-19 random testing capacity is still very low relative to its huge population and the jump in reported cases of Covid-19 creates more anxiety than the eagerness to be back to school.
“ALGON hereby calls for a review of the Governor’s order for the safety and lives of our dear children. Life comes before certificate, only the living graduate. Our Pupils Lives Matter. Taking the risk of school reopening without 100 percent (not less because they are young) medical assurance of protection and safety of lives of our pupils may be counter productive.
“Your Excellency, please tarry a bit. May Oyo State not lose any of our pupils, our future, to covid-19 pandemic and may we not witness another round of upsurge of the disease”, the statement added.
In another development, ALGON described the intention of Governor Makinde to renew the tenure of the Local Government Caretaker Committees he appointed in the state despite a subsisting case he filed at the Appeal Court which ordered for status quo remain, as his continuous affront to rule of law, judicial authority and threat to democratic governance.
According to Aleshinloye, “Executive lawlessness has become literally an epidemic in the pacesetter state and this lawlessness is a daily ritual and acceptable norm of governance now hence the increase in insecurity and violence in the State. Where rule of law is sacrificed and the court is treated with contempt anarchy reigns supreme.
“May the peace and understanding that Oyo State enjoyed in the past not be totally sacrificed because of lawlessness and crude arrogance of the Governor and his desperate cheerleaders”, ALGON boss continued.
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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