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Makinde pledges stiff measures against gender-based violence
The Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has declared that his government will put in place stiff measures to curtail gender-based violence in the state.
The governor, who stated this on Thursday, while commissioning the Family Court at the Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, the state capital, pledged that the government would continue to maintain cordial relationship with other arms of government for the overall benefit of the people of Oyo State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Governor Makinde as saying that the Family Court was commissioned to deal with matters relating to Child Rights, marital issues and other related matters in the state.
The governor said that the commissioning of the court was aimed at strengthening the laws around the Child Rights Acts, 2003 in the state, adding that though the act was domesticated in Oyo State in 2006, the architecture for its enforcement was not established.
He called on the people of Oyo State to contact the Oyo Ministry of Women Affairs’ Rapid Response Team (OYOMWA-RRT) if any child’s right is violated in the state.
He said: “Today, we are here to commission the Family Court. You may recall that one of the points raised in our Roadmap to Accelerated Development in Oyo State, 2019-2023, is to play our part in strengthening the laws around the Child Rights Act, 2003.
“Although this act was domesticated in Oyo State in 2006, the court where this law was to be enforced was not established. We all know what happens when a law is made but the architecture for enforcement is non-existent.
“With the establishment of this court, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion will be better positioned to carry out its responsibilities. I will, therefore, want to use this opportunity to call on the good people of Oyo State to not hesitate to contact the Oyo Ministry of Women Affairs Rapid Response Team (OYOMWA-RRT) should they see any child’s rights being violated.
“Violation of a child’s rights will include all sorts of physical and emotional abuse. I can assure you that they will be swift in their response and they will make sure that the rights of that child are protected.
“Also, all other issues that directly impact the family and the child will be resolved in this court. So, I look forward to continued cordial relationship with all arms of government for the overall benefit of the people of Oyo State. I therefore declare this Family Court open.”
Governor Makinde, who maintained that he looks forward to continued cordial relationship with all arms of government in the interest of the state, said: “I look forward to a continued cordial relationship with all arms of government for the overall benefit of the people of Oyo State.
“It is always a delight for me to be part of activities that show the collaboration between the three arms of government. Certainly, our growth as a people is strongly dependent on the synergy between the executive, judiciary and legislature.”
He added that his administration has been able to achieve what it has achieved so far due to its ability to manage the little resources that accrued to the state in the last one year, and the fact that the government was able to block leakages and stealing of the resources of the state.
“Actually, the Chief Judge thanked me because this project was made possible owing to the payment of their subventions. But I don’t think it was the payment of subvention that was enough to make this happen. Before now, from 2006, we had Paris refund. We had excess crude at a point when our oil was selling for more than $100 per barrel and all the money came in. “So, it must have been the judicious management of the resources that led to this.
“We are faced with double jeopardy right now, because we have the pandemic to deal with. At the same time, we have the economic meltdown. But if we manage the little resources that we have, we can do more. We are not magicians but what we have done basically is that we stopped the stealing of the resources of the state and now, we have more money to do what is necessary for the state.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Muntar Abimbola, said that the court will protect the child’s rights and afford the children opportunity to seek for enforcements of their fundamental human rights as recognized by the constitution.
He appreciated Governor Makinde for paying full outstanding pensions and gratuities of all retired Judges since 2013, noting that the governor also promised to pay retired workers their outstanding payment since 1999.
The Chief Judge hinted that the new Family Court is headed by Hon. Justice A.F.K. Adeeyo while the magistrates that will be working there will be Mr. S.H Adebisi and Mrs. Sumbo Adetuyibi, adding that the court will commence sitting on Monday, July 13, 2020.
In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, appreciated Governor Makinde for running an all-inclusive government that allows other arms of government to work effectively.
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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