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Olu of Warri backs FG’s developmental initiatives in Niger Delta
The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Utieyinoritsola Eriko Ogiame Atuwase III has declared his support and that of his kingdom for the programmes and plans of President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for the development of the Niger Delta region.
The monarch, who was last week installed as the 21st Olu of Warri, stated this while receiving in courtesy, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, in his palace in Warri on Saturday.
In a statement by the media aide of the minister, Jackson Udom, the Olu of Warri said: “Let me assure and also encourage you to know that when things are being discussed at the highest level in this country about the Niger Delta region, please see us as a staunch ally and a firm supporter.
“Let President Buhari know that, as he communicates his visions and plans for the people of the region through you, that he has a strong ally and supporter here that will help him actualise all those plans. We shall give all our best to ensure those programmes succeed.
“When the Niger Delta region functions optimally, Nigeria will get it right, not when Lagos or Abuja functions. When the region truly fulfills its potentials outside oil and gas, with our seaports fully operational, good road network for communication and economic development, the economy of this nation will blossom”.
The traditional ruler noted that peace in the region was very important if development must come to the people, saying, “what is top on the agenda in this palace is peace, unity and prosperity. We will not visit old wounds and division. All that would be expected of us to make the economy work, we will do that.
“If it is spiritual work, if it is to speak it into existence, we will do that. If it is to use our good offices to re educate, re-orientate our people to see these things that we have in the region as belonging to all of us because we are all one, we will also do that.
“When we achieve this unity and peace in the region, most of our children living in Lagos and Abuja and even outside the country, will relocate and help further develop the region because there is no place like home.”
Speaking earlier, the minister congratulated the monarch for the successful coronation ceremony, saying, “my visit here today is to congratulate His Majesty for peaceful ascension of the throne of your forebears.
“At the event, I was only represented but I decided to be present today as a sign of brotherhood and to register my loyalty to the crown.”
Akpabio charged the monarch to continue his peace and unity agenda in the kingdom and asserted: “With these eminent Nigerians who make up the Council of Chiefs as counsellors, their wisdom and experience given to them by God, you can never go wrong and that is why the Warri Kingdom stands out in the Niger Delta region.
“I know I must get directive from you as the minister in charge of the Niger Delta region, on what and what should be done for the people of your kingdom. Our job is to support you to succeed as the Olu through provision of infrastructure and other needs.
“Work on the abandoned Okorie road, I can assure you, will commence in September this year. My request is simple, you should also help with what you have already started which is the spiritual aspect.
“You would recall, Your Majesty, that shortly after your coronation, you handed over the entire Warri Kingdom to God Almighty, cancelling all curses that was placed on the kingdom by past Olus because of how they were treated by government. You used the authority given to you by God. Do not depart from your set goals because you have a mission.”
The minister promised to work with the monarch as a son for the development of the Niger Delta region, saying “I will work with you as the president’s representative to develop the region.
“I don’t want to be a guest in the palace. I am speaking as a son of the kingdom, who can come at anytime to discuss issues affecting the region.”
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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