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Ajimobi to NPC: Be fair with 2018 census.
OYO state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has enjoined the National Population Commission (NPC) to take note of the peculiar nature of the rural communities and ensure that necessary modalities are put in place to guarantee objectivity and fairness in the 2018 census, adding that any error will undermine the integrity of the exercise.
The governor stated this at the flag-off of the 3rd phase of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) for the 2018 population and housing census at Igbeti Town Hall, Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the state
He observed that the census figures returned for the State over the years did not appear to give a fair reflection of the demography of the state, adding that Oyo State has a large expanse of land area with considerable population.
The governor , who was represented his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, emphasized that the issues of population and housing census are important tools in social and economic configuration, noting that they are important indices on the development chart that reveal the potency for economic activities as well as guide developmental initiatives.
The governor urged the NPC to guide against error of omission or commission, “if a State is under enumerated or the tools for demarcation processes are mismanaged to give wrongful indications, it would affect the integrity of the final census figures. It also has debilitating effects on the development planning and resources to be made available for the well-being and the development of the State.”
Governor Ajimobi appealed to the stakeholders and people in the State to cooperate with the enumerators by allowing them to move freely, give them access to their buildings/housing units and respond truthfully to their inquiries during the demarcation to have a fruitful exercise.
Remarking , the Chairman and Federal Commissioner for National Population Commission, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji said that the commission was ready to inform, enlighten, create awareness and sensitize various stakeholders and the general public in the State on the 3rd phase of the enumeration area demarcation of the 2018 population and housing census which will commence from 20th February to 12th March 2017.
According to him , “EAD is the division of the country into small units that can be conveniently covered by a pair of enumerators during the census period. It is not real population census but preparatory activities for the census exercise and vehicle that drives the entire census process in the pre-census, actual enumeration and post-census period.
“The commission is deploying the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) compliance, high resolution satellite imagery and personal digital assistance (PDA) so that there won’t be room for un-demarcated and duplicated,” he explained.
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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