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Ajimobi to sacked LG chairmen: You have legitimacy on your side
Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Sunday assured the sacked Council bosses in the 33 Local Government Areas and 35 local council development areas that they have legitimacy on their side as due process was followed in the exercise that ushered them into office.
Apparently assuring the council bosses that the process that brought them to power followed all known legal tenets, Ajimobi said, although some may think he is not doing anything about the case in hand, he said he is doing whatever it is in silence, saying silence is golden.
The ex-governor stated this at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape, Ibadan, venue of a thanksgiving and prayer assembly held in his honour by the Basorun of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Daisi.
The event which attracted crème-de-la-crème within and outside Ibadan was also attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, business mogul, community leaders, the APC governorship candidate at the last election, Mr Bayo Adelabu, APC state executives led by the Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, party members, Ajimobi’s former commissioners, aides and political associates among others.
Governor Seyi Makinde had upon his inauguration sacked all the chairmen of all the local governments faulting the processes that brought them to office.
The sack came despite an initial court judgment gotten by the umbrella body of the council bosses stopping the government of the day or the house of assembly from sacking the elected council bosses.
But the council bosses have also remained resolute challenging Makinde’s directive and insisting that they remained the authentic elected council bosses.
Ajimobi said “Many of you are saying I am not saying or doing anything about what is going on. I am doing something about it but just that I don’t want to …., there are times that silence is golden and this time that we are, I think it is better to be silent.
“But I pray that God will make you victorious. And you are on the right track. The law is on your side.”
The remarks attracted the applause and ovation of the guest.
It is the first time the governor is making any public appearance since the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government was inaugurated in the state on May 29.
The ex-governor who said the event was just an opportunity for him to thank all those who played one role or the other in his eight years rule in the state, also prayed that the Makinde government sail through safely, noting that “it is good to make promises but when reality done on you, you will know that it is not easy”
Earlier in his remarks, the host of the event, Chief Kola Daisi said he had the option to call the “get together anyone of these several names: ‘celebrations’, ‘reception’, ‘grand party’, etc, but because it is conceived primarily as an occasion for thanking God for his love and mercies, I decide to give it a touch of the religious so that those who reflect upon the occasion in the future will appreciate how deeply we believe in the overwhelming influence of the Almighty in our daily lives.”
The business magnate gave four reasons for the event saying, it is to offer prayers for the repose of the soul of his first wife late Alhaja Sherifat Kola-Daisi and his god-son, Aare Arisekola Alao; offers prayer for Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole; offer prayers and thanksgiving for Ajimobi and his wife, Florence as well as for the complete success of Ajimobi’s successor, Governor Makinde.
In their separate remarks, some of the dignitaries who spoke, including Prof Oladipupo Akinkugbe, Chief Folake Solanke, Chief Bayo Oyero (former President General of CCII) and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Idowu Olayinka lauded Governor Ajimobi for his exemplary leadership and service to the people and the state, noting that his eight years reign had indeed transformed the state in the comity of states in the country.
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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