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Ekiti Will Become S’ West Economic Hub With Bamidele As Governor – Ilori.
An Estate surveyor and Valuer, Mr Oluwagbemiga Ilori, has lauded the former member of the House of the Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele for declaring for Ekiti governorship poll, saying the state will become the economic hub of the Southwest with him in the saddle.
The Lagos based businessman said, Bamidele has the requisite exposure, political experience and the temperament to be able to restore the state’s lost glories in the areas of economy, agriculture, health and other critical sectors, having garnered experience as a commissioner in Lagos and National Assembly.
Speaking with journalists on Friday in Lagos on the 2018 Ekiti governorship election, Ilori disclosed that Ekiti cannot afford to gamble with their collective destiny in the poll, urging them to vote for a man with the right frame of mind and mental capability to lead the state.
He described Bamidele as a thorough-bred administrator, who has proved his mettle during his four years in the House of Representatives, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain became a darling name in Ekiti politics with the quality representative he offered on the floor of the National Assembly.
Ilori said the fact that Bamidele plunged into the race at a time the party is in the opposition and needed someone with the political network to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further confirmed the enormous respect and commitment he has for the people.
“Hon Bamidele is a man with unblemished records in the politics of Ekiti. During his time as a commissioner in Lagos State, he saw Ekiti as an immediate constituency. He treated every Ekiti indigene with respect. He offered them jobs and offered assistance that can brighten their careers.
“Also, as a member of the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015, he sponsored so many bills that can make life better for Nigerians. He constructed class rooms for schools in Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun federal constituency. He constructed ultra modern health centres in the two councils that are of benefits to the citizens.
“When it comes to the act of giving, Bamidele is unrivaled. He is kind to a fault. He sees lifting humanity from the pangs of poverty as his hobby.
“In terms of scholarship, Bamidele is a well read person. He Bagged B.A., LL.B and LL.M degrees from the University of Ife( now Obafemi Awolowo University,). With these daunting academic laurels, it was evident that the former federal lawmaker is well equipped for the plum job.
“We need a man that is educated, politically sagacious and morally upright at this critical time Ekiti has been debased in all facets by the current government. We need a man that can restore Ekiti values and with Bamidele in the saddle, our people should be rest assured that they are in safe hands”, he said.
Ilori appealed to APC to stop unnecessary discrimination within the party, describing the branding of some top leaders of the party as defectors as a distraction capable of robbing the party of victory.
He, then appealed to Chief John Oyegun-led National Working Committee of the APC to conduct free, fair and credible primary, so that the party can approach the poll with an invincible and united posture.
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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