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EID-EL-ADHA: Ayandele rejoices with muslims, calls for prayers against COVID-19
Business magnate and former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, has joined Islamic faith adherents across the world in the celebrations of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir popularly called Odun Ileya in Yorubaland as he urged Muslims to intensify prayers to Allah on the quest to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic in no time.
In a special Eid message contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his Personal Assistant, Olusola Adeleke, the Ibarapa-born politician described this year’s festival as monumental in view of many challenges that confront human race over coronavirus spread and its attendant effects on socioeconomic activities of different strata of people globally.
“Eid-el-Kabir is a major universal festival of Muslims which also heralds the annual Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia. Nigerian Muslims and their brethren at home have never been found wanting in the festivities over the years. But the circumstances surrounding this year’s festival call for sobriety and deep reflection on the need to be more dedicated to the worship of Allah, service to humanity and care for the environment in which we all live.
“Meanwhile, Muslims at home as well as their counterparts from other faiths deserve special kudos for their uncommon show of courage and patience in the face of restrictions, deprivation and anxiety posed by the rampaging Covid-19. Since March this year, our collective resolve to wage war against the pandemic has resulted in the shut down of worship centres while we maintain social distancing and other protocols prescribed by WHO and NCDC.
“Another regrettable development has to do with the inability of several intending Muslim pilgrims from Nigeria and other parts of the world to make it to the Holy Land in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj exercise. As faithful, we must accept this as an act of Allah and also pray Him to make it possible for those that were stopped this year and many others willing to undergo the religious rites next year while we are very optimistic about an imminent end to the pandemic while normalcy would then return to the global arena.
“Most importantly, we are glad to identify with all Muslims in Oyo state particularly our revered Chief Imams, Clerics, traditional rulers, leaders and members of Islamic organizations and societies on the occasion of this year’s Ileya. Also, we send our felicitation to all the leaders, members and supporters of our great Party (APC) in Ibarapa, Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Oke-Ogun geopolitical zones of the state.” Ayandele 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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