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EID-EL FITR: Fagade felicitates Muslims, urges prayers against insecurity
As Islamic faith adherents across the globe celebrate this year’s end of Ramadan festival (Eid-el Fitr), a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Otunba Abisoye Fagade, has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria on the occasion even as he urged them to use the period to engage in moderate feasting but seek the face of Allah in prayers on the desire to find a lasting solution to the security challenges facing the country.
Eid-el Fitr is celebrated globally on the first day of the month of Shawwal to mark the successful completion of the 29 or 30-day fast in the Holy Month of Ramadan which is observed annually in the ninth month of the Muslims Hijrah calendar.
In his special Eid message, contained in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant (Media), Comrade Kehinde Idowu, Fagade noted that it was worth it for any faithful Muslim who successfully participated in the whole month spiritual activities to be thankful to Allah who has promised is maximum reward for the fasting and other spiritual exercises packaged for Ramadan.
“Pointedly, an average person living in any part of the world deserves to appreciate God for the grace to be alive again in spite of the numerous problems confronting the human race at this difficult time. For the followers of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to have weathered the storm of Covid-19 pandemic, economic downturn, insecurity and instability which ravage the entire globe at the moment and observed the sacred Month of Ramadan with fear of Allah, we can be sure that all our prayers to God almighty will be answered.
“It is important to urge all citizens, especially the good people of Oyo state to celebrate in moderation and use the auspicious occasion to work for peace, harmony and tranquility among themselves. And while we are calling for fervent prayers against insecurity and economic hardship ravaging the land, we also urge people to put behind their differences and join hands to restore peace and security in all the nooks and crannies of the state”, Fagade said.
The Ibadan-born investor and philanthropist then used the opportunity to rejoice with eminent personalities across the state on the occasion of the Muslim festival.
“We congratulate Alaafin of Oyo; Oba Lamidi OlayiwolaAdeyemi III, Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji (Aje Ogungunniso 1), So’un of Ogbomosoland; Oba Jimoh Ouewumi (Ajagungbade lll), Aseyin of Iseyin; Oba AbdulGaniyu Adekunle Oloogunebi (Ajinese l), Okere of Sakiland, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo and other traditional rulers.
“We would like to extend same felicitation to the Chief Imams of Ibadanland, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Igbo-Ora, Saki, Iseyin and among others. In conclusion, we congratulate all the leaders and members of ALGON in the state, Chief Akin Oke-led Executive Committee as well as leaders, members and supporters of our dear party (APC) on the recent victory recorded at the Supreme Court, Abuja against the illegal sack of elected local government council officials two years ago by Gov. Seyi Makinde”, the statement 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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