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LG Poll: OYSIEC Solicits Stakeholders’ Support For Credible , Violence Free Elections
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The Chairman , Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission , (OYSIEC ) , Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju , has solicited for the support of leaderships of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ) , Oyo State and other security agencies with a view to achieving credible and peaceful local government council elections .
The Commission chairman , while speaking during the courtesy visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp’s (NSCDC ) Oyo State Command’s Office, at Agodi Ibadan and Radio Nigeria, South West Zonal headquarters at Oba Adebimpe Road, Dugbe Ibadan , reiterated the commitment of the commission members to conduct an election that would be free of any form of voters’ harassment and intimidation.
Olagunju, hinted further that the commission would not relent in its awareness and advocacy drive on the importance of massive participation of the citizens of Oyo State at the electoral process at the grassroot
On the likely date for the conduct of elections, Olagunju , said building people’s trust and confidence remain the focus of the commission at the moment having identified both as core challenges before the commission .
While commending the NSCDC for maintaining peace and order in the society, Olagunju allayed fears of the populace on various inadequacies attributed to past local government council elections in the state.
He speaks further :
” The feelers we have been receiving from the populace is lack of trust and confidence in the commission and restoring these take precedence above any other process ”
” We have started the process of doing things differently , our focus this time around is to engage the populace to have that trust in the process and confidence in our commission that the commission is going to conduct a free, fair and transparent election.
” We are engaging and collaborating with relevant stakeholders for maximum support to ensure a violence free and credibile elections”
” The foundation of democracy is at the grassroots which is responsible for meaningful development in the country , that is why we have determined to organize local government council elections that would be a shinning star of other council elections conducted in the state .
In his remarks, the State Commandant , Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , ( NSCDC), Alhaji Iskilu Abiodun Akinsanya , assured the populace of security of lives and properties before , during and after the conduct of local government council polls.
He admonished the commission to at all times update the corps about its activities for them to play their role as expected.
Also speaking, the Zonal Director , Federal Radio Corporation Of Nigeria , ( FRCN) , Ibadan Zonal Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello,
harped on the need for the commission to allow residents of the state to have a right of choice of the leaders to govern them at the Local government councils
” Democracy is all about people , a level playing field should be created for all political parties notwithstanding the party in government
” We will do the right thing by conveying the news , I urge your team to break the jinx in Oyo State , set standard and legacy for other states of the country to follow by creating a platform for the populace to elect their leaders at the local government freely .
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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