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Amotekun is shaping up well—Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde said on Thursday that the South-West security initiative, Operation Amotekun was shaping up well.
The Governor made the declaration while attending the 80th Annual General Conference of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, held at Ashi, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan.
He equally reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure a peaceful, safe and secure Oyo State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also quoted the Governor as calling for more prayers for leaders in positions of authority by religious leaders across the faiths.
He said: “I was with the Inspector General of Police yesterday and we had close to 30 minutes deliberation back and forth on how to make our State and country secure.
“We also discussed on how Amotekun is not supposed to replace the function of the Nigerian Police and the community police they are setting up. They are to complement those efforts to make our society safer. Very soon, we will begin to reap the reward of Operation Amotekun.
“All the issues before us are being addressed right now; Amotekun is definitely here to stay.”
He further stated: “I will continue to work for the benefit of all to provide a peaceful, safe and secure State where we can all worship without fear. All of us cannot worship God in an atmosphere of fear. I am happy that Amotekun, the regional security outfit to which Oyo State subscribes to, is shaping up brilliantly.
“Today is not for proverbs, it is a day for speaking clearly and openly about the role that religion and worship play in our lives. As I am standing before you today, Oyo State needs prayers. Some elements have threatened to disrupt the peace of local government councils so that a state of emergency can be declared in the State but with our prayers, their plans will not come into fruition.”
The Governor commended the Church for the continuous prayer for the success of his administration and urged them to have deliberations on how the Church would move forward.
“This year’s annual general conference theme “Enlarge The Place Of Thy Tent” as taken from Isaiah Chapter 54 verse 2, is a testament of how God blesses his people and continues to bless them with growth. I heard about the conference that was held last year in Lagos and how it made waves. I have a message for you; last year, you made waves in Lagos but today, you are in the Pacesetter State. So, by virtue of the fact that this conference is taking place in Oyo State, I believe it will create a benchmark of how future conferences will look like. Not just in terms of attendance but miracles that will occur while the conference is going on.
“The Bible records that where two or more gather in God’s name, God is there with them. If God will be with two or three, how much more will he be with a multitude that is here. So, God is definitely here with us. My message to you this day is that you may hold fruitful deliberations and conversations that will move this church forward.”
Governor Makinde charged everybody to see themselves as one irrespective of the religious differences and pledged to take the dividend of democracy to the door steps of all and sundry.
“When I was on the campaign trail, seeking to be the Governor of Oyo State, I fellowshipped with you and spoke to you about my dreams for this beloved state. Today, I am thankful that we are here through the efforts of our numerous people across all faiths. This actually tells us something; that all of us, irrespective of our religion, want good government. That was why you voted for me. All of us want to live a good life and desire the development of our communities, local councils, State and Nigeria. So, we must not allow religion to divide but unite us.”
Speaking on the local government crisis rocking the State, the Governor said: “The LG dissolution case is before the court. There is a court injunction against the people who are trying to foment trouble. For me as the chief security officer, we will definitely not allow lawlessness.”
Speaking earlier, the Supreme Head of the C&S Unification Church Worldwide, Dr. Solomon Adegboyega Alao, called on the National Assembly to immediately amend the Constitution to ensure that general elections are held in November such that all legal entanglements would have been resolved before the inauguration of the President and Governors in May.
According to him, it does not make sense to elect a Governor only to have him removed six months after.
“Now that all petitions have ended in courts, I think the government should consider a constitution amendment to ensure that elections are held in November so that all the cases would have been disposed of.
“It doesn’t make sense to elect a governor and five or six months after you have him removed,” he said.
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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