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Exclusive: Makinde bans commisioners, aides, others from speaking to journalists without approval
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has directed all commissioners and other public office holders in his government to henceforth desist from media engagements without his approval, Mega Icon Magazine exclusively gathered.
Governor Makinde specifically warned them against granting or making both radio and television interviews/appearances without getting clearance from him.
According to the governor, public office holders who wish to engage in media appearances to speak about the administration, project initiatives or counter wrong narratives must be encouraged to request for at least five (5) days’ notice from the media house, stressing that the notice period must then be used to secure the necessary approval and engage his Media Unit to prepare for any possible, emerging or contending questions ahead of the media appearance.
The governor who gave the directive in a circular letter obtained by our reporter , also warned that public office holders must not appear in crossfire or confrontational programs.
The Circular letter titled “Guidelines On Media Appearances By Public Office Holders/Party Officials” , dated 24th September , 2020 and signed by the Secretary to the state government, Olubamiwo Adeosun read, “In order to prevent un- coordinated and counter-productive media exposure of public office holders and ensure that they are well guided, the following are the guidelines on media appearances :
“All media appearances by public office holders must be target driven.
“Public office holders who wish to appear on radio/Television programs must secure the approval of His Excellency through the Secretary to the state government via His Excellency’s the Governor’s Media Department.
“Officers of State I.e the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Deputy Chief of Staff are to engage in media appearances strategically and Sparingly.
The letter with reference number: ADI.36/VOL.III/186 continued, “Honourable Commissioners, Director Generals, Chairmen of Boards /Parastatals and State Government spokespersons that engage in media appearances must restrict themselves to issues affecting their Ministries, Departments and Agencies. They must not appear in crossfire or confrontational programs.
“Public office holders who wish to engage in media appearances to speak about the administration, project initiatives or counter wrong narratives must be encouraged to request for at least five (5) days’ notice from the media house . The notice period must then be used to secure the necessary approval and engage His Excellency’s Media Unit to prepare for any possible, emerging or contending questions ahead of the media appearance.
“Public office holders scheduled to appear on media programs must be familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the media house/anchor in question.
“Political office holders must understand that the media is the most viable vehicle through which government activities can be communicated and they must adapt to the terrain while being flexible
“It is important for all affected government officials to comply with these guidelines in order to prevent embarrassment to their persons and the state government”, the letter warned.
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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