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Nnamani: Architect of uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom – Akpabio
Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has again reiterated, that, but for patriotic stance of former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, there wouldn’t have been anything like uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State, describing him as the architect of uncommon transformation in the state.
Akpabio, who was the unveiler of the book; “Standing Strong”, written by Senator Nnamani, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, noted that dropping of the Gavel by Nnamani, as the Senate President, on the Third Term Agenda at that time, paved the way for his campaign and emergence as the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
” Your Excellency, what you did on that day, when you put up the question for and against Third Term before your colleagues and the Nays had it, gave me the opportunity to become the governor of my state and that brought about uncommon transformation in the state,” the minister said.
Speaking further, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State revealed that, ” I had commenced my governorship campaigns, but when the issue of Third Term Agenda came on board and was gaining grounds like wild fire, I almost dropped my ambition because from what we learnt, all incumbent governors had been promised extra term for their support.”
According to the former Senate Minority Leader,” Sir, when you took that patriotic step with the backing of some of your colleagues, you helped to save our constitutional democracy. You sided with the law and the people and today, you are being celebrated. You were the architect of Uncommon Transformation in my state from 2007 to 2015,” he declared.
Akpabio noted that, “Senator Nnamani displayed uncommon courage and that is why I call him Iconic. When you dropped that Gavel, you were not only saving our democracy, you also helped us to abolish the House boys and girls syndrome from my state, because of the free and compulsory education, I put in place for all school age children resident in the state. You transformed the polity and made democracy to be alive in the past 22 years.
” Permit me to say that you and President Muhammadu Buhari has one thing in common and that is integrity. We respect and honour you for your integrity. You are never a desperate man for public office. When others were struggling in the Senate, you didn’t. They fished you out. May God continue to fish you out in Jesus name. You are a man that Nigerians, the youths, the National Assembly, the Executive and the entire nation can trust. May you continue to stand strong”, Akpabio submitted.
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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