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Ajimobi will handover to me in 2019 – Awoleye.
A member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ibadan North Constituency, Honourable Abiodun Dada Awoleye has boasted that Governor Abiola Ajimobi will hand over the baton to him on May 29, 2019.
The former Oyo State House of Assembly member, Awoleye while featuring on a special democracy day edition of the South West Group of Online Publishers’ (SWEGOP) breakfast media chat today in Ibadan, declared his intention to run for the most exalted position in Oyo state come 2019. “I told Oga that (Ajimobi) as his victory was ‘Koseleri’, another ‘Koseleri’ will happen in 2019 when he will be handing over to me.
” Remember, Lam Adesina did not handover to Ladoja, Ladoja too did not handover to Akala, Akala did not also handover to Ajimobi but Ajimobi will hand over to me”, the lawmaker boasted. The APC chieftain also disclosed that he is certain of the support of Governor Ajimobi.
“Contesting for the Governor of Oyo State is not something that was thought of today. I had always had the ambition to run and 2019 is the opportunity to run. In 2016, a lot of people called on me to run for the governorship position and I want to honour their call”, said the lawmaker.
Speaking further, the two term House of Representatives member added, “I am aware that there are many others interested in running for the governorship position but I can tell you that there is none of them that can rate at par with me. It is not possible to get the support of the people if you have no relationship with the grass root.
“I am a grass root politician; I am very close to the people and I relate well with them. Besides, many of these people who have indicated interest to run have no deep ties with the party. They believe they can just come with their money and hand twist people to get to power but it is not possible. Among those that have declared their intentions, I am the only one who knows the intricacies and the ideology of APC. Not many of them know the ideology of the party.
“ As a lawmaker, my record and achievements are there to speak for me. I have been with the party from the very beginning and I have never decamped to another party. People trust Abiodun Awoleye and I believe I am the best candidate to do the job of the Governor come 2019. I am aware that many of the other candidates are going around touting that Ajimobi is supporting them, which is wrong. I am sure that the Governor will give each of us equal chances to garner our support, so I am not afraid of anyone,” Awoleye noted.
In like manner, reacting to Oke-Ogun agitation for power shift in the state, he said, “I am aware that there are some people from that region who are also interested in the race but what determines who will be the next governor is not where he comes from but, his antecedents, qualities and programs.
“ I have a lot of supporters in Oke Ogun and other zones and I will ensure equity in my government, I will make sure that they all have fair share in allocation of infrastructures and other things that will enhance development”, he assured.
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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