News
Makinde borrows over N1 billion monthly to pay council workers – Oyo ALGON alleges
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter has queried the Seyi Makinde led administration in the state over alleged unwholesome borrowing of over N1 billion monthly to pay council workers since June.
The ALGON Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, made the allegation in a recent chat with journalists, while reacting to a question on Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) June 1 deadline for governors to allow councils access funds from the federation account without interference.
According to the him, “I don’t think they have been following it. In the state / councils joint account, no transaction should occur without the primary owner which is the democratically elected officials.
“I believe no transaction has occurred in the State Joint Allocation Committee otherwise called JAC since we left office because they refused to recognise chairmen to work with; there is no way even if that money goes to councils, they can’t have access to it”.
Also, on how they have been paying salaries till date, Alesinloye said, “I learnt they have been borrowing money to pay because they don’t want anything negative to happen to their government.
“So they have been rallying round to source for money to pay local government workers. There is no way they can access the money coming from Abuja to local governments for now.
“We have written letters to the banks and I am sure the banks have not been honouring their cheques. They (Oyo government) don’t have access to the money.
“NFIU should monitor it because the money is meant for democratically elected chairmen, not the caretaker arrangement.
“And I know that NFIU is monitoring the disbursement and there is no way they would make any transaction in that joint account. If they do, that will be an illegal operation of councils funds and it is an illegal thing to do.
“You may wish to ask me for how long they would sustain it, under the guise of populism, because you want to be seen to be nice; to be good, to be people-oriented, no problem but for how long can they sustain such borrowing?”
He puts the monthly salaries of council workers at over N1.1 billion.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa while reacting to the NFIU directive and the claims by the ALGON boss, said there was no iota of truth in the claim by Alesinloye, stressing that the NFIU had been taken to court.
Adisa said, “but the Nigerian Governors Forum took that matter to court. As far as the matter is in court, status quo remains. Each state can now design how it manages its local governments.”
When asked to comment on the claim that the state government had been borrowing to pay council workers, Adisa said, “the state House of Assembly passes law on the running of the local governments.
“The matter is in court. The NFIU can’t do anything for now.
“The so-called ALGON wants to remain in the news. They want to remain relevant. Whatever they are saying, let them continue. We don’t want to engage them”.
“it is not true. If they have such evidence, let them show the media”, Adisa punctured ALGON chairman’s claim.
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.
-
Politics3 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics7 days agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
Politics7 days agoFintiri Dumps PDP for APC, Moves with Cabinet, 14 Adamawa Lawmakers