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Makinde replies critics, says ‘I don’t hate Islam’
Oyo state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde has responded to growing criticisms of his alleged administration’s religious favoritism, especially those who are fond of accusing him of hating Islam; saying “they are individuals with skeletons in their cupboards”.
The governor, who was speaking during a brief ceremony on Friday where he presented buses to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Oyo State Branch, and the Oyo Town chapter of the society, as well as the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Oyo State chapter, said that though his government has discovered the ugly secrets of the past, it was still interrogating the details.
Makinde, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, declared that he will continue to serve the people of the state with fairness and the fear of God, irrespective of their religions.
He maintained that those struggling hard to divide the state with religious sentiments by insinuating that his administration hates Muslims, were only trying to cover their dirty past.
According to the governor, “if some elements are saying I don’t like Muslims, it is what they have done in the secret that is disturbing their minds.
“We have seen all what they did but we are still interrogating the details. If we decide to put it in the public, some may say it is the confirmation that I don’t like Muslims,” he said.
The governor added: “My Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs has said most of the things meant to be said. But one thing he didn’t remember to say is that the Imam of Omituntun has been there since 2014.
“We started building the Omituntun Mosque structure in 2013 and we completed it in 2014. As of that time, those who were my closest aides were three and they are all Muslims.
“I want to say it again that I love both the Muslims and the Christians as well as the traditionalists. We must not discriminate and we have to be fair to everybody. And we believe that whatever we do, we will get the reward from God.
“We are serving you as your servants. I came to you to give us the opportunity to serve you and you did. So, I believe we must serve you with the fear of God.
“So, today, I want to fulfill part of the promises I made before I got elected as the governor of Oyo State. I promised that, when I become the governor, I would do my best to support people from both religions. That is why I want to donate a bus each to the Ansar-Ud-Deen of Oyo State and that of Oyo Town, to propagate the gospel of Islam.”
Also speaking during the presentation of the buses, a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and senator who represented Oyo Central between 2015 and 2019, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, who is also member of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, commended Governor Makinde for running an all-inclusive government.
She maintained that as a part of the ooalition of parties that brought the government into power, she has been giving support to the government because it is doing things right, calling for prayers for the governor and the government.
She said: “You all know that I was once a Speaker in this state and Senator that represented Oyo Central Senatorial District. So, I can understand what is called governance. We are looking round to gather people within Oyo State for us to be able to support the Governor Makinde-led administration to succeed.
“In doing this, the governor deemed it fit to get us a vehicle for movement, not for politics but for the course of their duties. As Muslims, they will be moving round to mosques and everywhere to propagate the Islamic religion.
“Also, for FIBAN, they are part of the constituency of the governor. When the governor met them, they requested for vehicle and they came through me to collect it. So, we thank him and all the good people of Oyo State.
“We are not playing politics of ‘pulling someone down by all means’ but whenever we see something being done in the right manner, we are bound to give support.”
Chairman of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Alhaji Babatunde Oladejo expressed happiness with the donation, stating that it will help in its programmes to enlighten people on Islam and “probably the development in the government circle.”
“As I said during my sermon, Oyo State is a technical place to govern but the governor has been trying and all we need to do is to keep assisting him with prayers. We should also try as much as possible to let the people know the good works he is doing in the state.”
The chairman of the Oyo State chapter of FIBAN, Pastor Seun Akindele, also expressed gratitude to the governor for the donation, stating that it was a surprise to the body.
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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