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Makinde signs Anti-Corruption Bill into Law
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has signed the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Bill 2019 into Law.
The Governor, who assented to the bill passed last week by the State House of Assembly, said that his assent was a signal his government was ready to enforce probity and accountability.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that Governor Makinde, immediately after his assent, transferred the law to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo for further administrative actions.
The Governor had, as part of initial declarations upon assumption of office, declared that the State under his watch would establish its own anti-corruption agency to ensure probity, accountability and good governance.
While signing the bill into law on Wednesday, Governor Makinde said: “We have just signed the anti-corruption law for Oyo State. There is nothing to be afraid of. Why we have domesticated the anti-corruption law is that just as we want the governance to get closer to the grassroots. We also want to guard the resources of the state in the same manner.
“Yes, corruption kills the society. When money meant for projects, salaries and certain developmental initiatives are diverted, we miss the opportunities.”
The Governor, who spoke at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, said that the law has no political colourations, as according to him, corruption and underdevelopment have no political leanings.
“This is not a law meant to witch-hunt anyone. It is not about politics or political interests. It is not about APC or PDP but about Oyo State. We know for a fact that if we tackle corruption, we will have enough resources to take care of our people and that is exactly what this law is meant to achieve for us,” he said.
The Governor reiterated his readiness to waive his immunity and face any corrupt charges against him, if he commits any infractions to the law.
He added: “So, we believe we have to tackle corruption. I said it during my inaugural address as the Executive Governor of Oyo State that I will be ready to waive my immunity to face any corruption charges against my person and I still maintain that position.”
The Governor, therefore, enjoined every citizen of the State to alert the Government of any unscrupulous activities, adding; “if you see something, say something.”
He also warned against writing frivolous petitions, adding that anyone found guilty of such would equally be prosecuted.
“I want to implore everybody, the citizens of Oyo State to say something when they see something. And I can give you the assurance that we will act. We do know that people may want to take certain things for granted.
“They may want to use this law to settle scores, because we have seen situations where people wrote frivolous petitions against somebody they have hatred for and, with that, they think they have the opportunity to square up.
“Well, we won’t condone that. If you write a frivolous petition to us, you will also be sanctioned because that is corruption in itself.”
He warned the Civil Servants not to petitions themselves wrongly as anybody found doing so would face the law.
“And for my constituency, the civil servants, I do know that people jostle for positions, where they malign themselves to get into a higher position. This is not what the law is about. This law is to ensure that due processes are followed in our financial dealings and to ensure our resources are deployed for specific reasons why they were appropriated for, in the first instance.
The Governor further said: “So, it’s a new opportunity for us to show the world that we can run a transparent and accountable government. I do hope that nobody here will fall into the trap of corruption.
“I did mention that there is a serious temptation in this job. For instance, I am being paid N550,000 and I have to run a yearly budget of over 200 billion Naira. Of course, we will be tempted but we have to resist the temptation.
We have to know that whichever position we occupy is based on the trust of the people and when we leave, we will still go back to the larger society and, if we perpetuate corruption, the effect is waiting for us out there.
“So, I want to assure the people of Oyo State that this law will keep us in check, hold us accountable. And if you have anything about any of us, don’t hesitate to bring the facts out and the law will take its full course.”
As Muslims across Nigeria and the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, has urged Nigerians to exercise heightened community vigilance.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), tasked security operatives at all levels to ensure peace and safety during the festive period.
Oseni, who has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, noted that Eid is a time for joy, spiritual reflection, and renewal.
The federal lawmaker added that the period is also an opportunity to recognize the critical role of security personnel in protecting lives, property, and public spaces.
“Eid-ul-Adha reminds us that peace and security are shared responsibilities,” the statement read.
“As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, let us remain vigilant and supportive of the men and women in uniform, whose courage, dedication, and professionalism make it possible for citizens to enjoy this festive season safely.”
Oseni commended security agencies across Oyo State and Nigeria, noting their unwavering commitment, discipline, and resilience, often under challenging conditions. He further urged citizens to partner with security operatives, report suspicious activities, and strengthen neighborhood cohesion, emphasizing that national security is a collective responsibility that transcends political, local, or individual interests.
The APC chieftain also highlighted the importance of responsible citizenship, calling on Nigerians to reflect the values of compassion, integrity, and communal solidarity that the Eid festival embodies.
“Our collective vigilance, cooperation, and commitment to the common good are what sustain peace and foster sustainable development,” he added.
The legislator extended warm Eid-ul-Adha greetings to all Nigerians, praying that the season brings joy, unity, and renewed hope for peace across the nation.
The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The media group described the incident as heartbreaking and traumatising, warning that it had deepened fears over worsening insecurity in Oyo State and the wider South-West region.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Publicity Secretary, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP said the abduction was not only a painful attack on the victims’ families and affected communities but also a direct assault on the peace and stability of the region.
The guild lamented that many residents were gradually losing confidence in the safety of their environment, noting that the growing wave of insecurity had continued to inflict fear and psychological trauma on citizens.
According to the group, the continued captivity of the victims further exposes the fragility of Nigeria’s security architecture and underscores the urgent need for more coordinated and proactive responses to insecurity.
“The unfortunate abduction of innocent pupils and teachers in Oriire is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Beyond the immediate pain inflicted on affected families and communities, this incident has heightened anxiety and fear among residents across Oyo State and the South-West,” the statement partly read.
While commending security agencies for ongoing rescue operations, SWEGOP urged the Federal and Oyo State governments not to relent until the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
The guild also called for stronger collaboration between government and relevant stakeholders capable of supporting rescue efforts, stressing that all necessary resources must be deployed to secure the victims’ freedom.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve surveillance across vulnerable communities and adopt preventive measures to forestall future occurrences.
SWEGOP maintained that protecting lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of government, urging authorities to take decisive actions capable of restoring public confidence in the nation’s security system.
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the declaration reflects the government’s respect for the Islamic faith and the spiritual importance of the festival to millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe.
“The Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, 27th May and Thursday, 28th May, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha,” the statement read in part.
The minister congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival rooted in sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for humanity. He urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the nation and support ongoing efforts to ensure national peace, security, and prosperity.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement added.
The government also wished Muslims a peaceful and joyous celebration while calling for unity, brotherhood, and mutual understanding among Nigerians.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-el-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam and is observed by Muslims worldwide.
Meanwhile, travellers have begun moving across several parts of the country, including Lagos, ahead of the holiday period.
To ensure safety on the roads during the festivities, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara State Sector Command, said it had deployed 950 personnel, including officers, marshals, special marshals, and first responders across the state. Sixteen patrol vehicles, four ambulances, and a 70-tonne tow truck have also been positioned to support traffic management and emergency response during the celebrations.
Motorists were advised to strictly comply with traffic regulations, with the FRSC warning against offences such as speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, mobile phone use while driving, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, and seatbelt violations.
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