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Insecurity: Be more proactive, Oyo APC Chieftain, Oyegoke urges Makinde
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Pastor Oyewale Oyegoke has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to take urgent steps to end the alarming insecurity in the state.
Pastor Oyegoke, who lamented the increasing rate of criminal activities in Oyo state, also implored the governor to put in place modalities that will address the activities of the hoodlums and criminals disrupting the peace of the state.
He made the plea recently while featuring on Fresh FM’s Cross Fire in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. He described as intolerable, the current wanton destruction of human lives and properties in the state.
The legal practitioner, however urged Governor Makinde to be more proactive and pragmatic in his approach to solving problems , especially security issues.
He said: “I want to emphasize on two Issues, proactiveness and pragmatism.
I want to emphasize that the meaning of proactiveness is taking control of a situation before it happens. Now we have lived in this country for a very long time and we are familiar with Bokoharam insurgency, banditry, cattle rustling and others. I expected when Mr. Governor stepped into the shoe of a big man would be ready or he would have a kind of plan on ground to address all these issues .
“This is not the first time that the issue of insecurity is happening in Oyo state, of course we may not have perfect information here but when we put forward all the circumstantial evidences together, we would see that Mr. Governor has not been proactive enough.
“The pragmatism aspect is that the issues, even when they arise, he has not been responding with practical steps. The governance is so weak , the leadership is so weak, we can see the evidences of a failing state. Now we could have learn from other governors before, we could have even learn from the experiences in Oyo state, these things are not strange.
“I could remember when the one million boys were burning houses here and there in 2015 or 2016 thereabout, Mr. Governor, the late Ajimobi went to the scene , walking round with his entourage talking to the victims, showing empathy for them, that’s pragmatism. Not only that, he launched a lot of security outfits to help himself out and we could see what follow after .
“Governor Seyi Makinde has not led well, he has failed in his leadership, he has failed in the oath of office he took to protect lives and property. He’s the Chief Security Officer of this state and the whole thing has degenerated under his watch”, Oyegoke alleged.
Justifying his submissions, he further observed: “one thing I have noticed is that communication is the life wire of organization’s relationship. When you needed the votes of these people you know how you reached out to them. As a matter of fact, there was a day when we were preparing for election that I got a direct call from him (Governor Makinde), I wouldn’t know how he did it and he called many people as well when he was seeking for votes.
“This time around, he has abandoned these people , he has no local connection with them. I could remember the last two weeks he visited them, some chiefs and Baales wanted to say something , they were telling him that they were coming to see him in camera, that means they have not been talking. And I want to tell you that as a passionate Oyo state citizen on several occasions too I have actually try to communicate Mr. Governor, of course he’s my governor too. I will send him some sensitive information, there’s no day he has acknowledged any of these information .
“The former governor, Ajimobi before he even knew me personally I have also communicated him on several occasions and he will reply. On two to three occasions he has directed people to invite me to his office without even knowing if I’m APC member or not, that is proactiveness. You don’t build fortresses around yourself as a leader, if you think you can protect yourself by building fortresses around yourself, is actually the crowd that are meant to be your protection not the fortresses you are building.
“So in that aspect, he has lost it because he lost direct connection with the people that voted him into power. There could have been a lot of information dropping at his doorstep , especially as a governor because there are several means and mediums through which information reach out to them, but it has not been opened.
“That’s the governor that even said that he couldn’t pick up the call of his mum before the late woman passed on, so we can understand that is his nature and that has to change because we can’t continue to be a snobby, it won’t happen”, he continued.
Oyegoke stressed the need for the state government to strengthen its political will collaboratively with the security agencies to put off the ugly situation before it is too late.
He, thereafter advised the governor to establish a strategic relationship with the police, saying that he ought to have a sense of control over them.
According to him, “Oyo state is a controllable environment and there are somethings you can do within your power in the state as a governor to address the issue of insecurity and we should stop taking alibi that it is national problem. We can separate the national aspect of it, the banditry, and others from the local cultists that are fighting here and there.
“He takes decision (s) so late, and that is what I am talking about proactiveness. Even after the #ENDSARS, what has he done? He went to the IGP and has the Police been effective enough, the police that are shooting his own Amotekun on the leg? There is no relationship and there should be connection. He has not done enough that’s what we are saying. We are only telling him to be proactive and save some lives more.
“You will always need the police , though they are controlled from the federal but you’re the one that is servicing them through some means, and you should have a sense of control.
“So, it is not about I did this and that but a strategic relationship management”, the APC chieftain submitted
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
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 Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
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