News
Oyo APC Flays Makinde Over New Entertainment Tax Policy
…says levy anti-people, calls for immediate reversal
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has condemned the introduction of entertainment taxes by the state government, describing the policy as anti-people, ill-conceived, and insensitive to the economic realities of residents.
The opposition party urged Governor Seyi Makinde to immediately suspend the policy, which reportedly compels organisers and sponsors of social events to pay varying sums to obtain government permits.
Reports of the new levy emerged on Wednesday after a printed sticker circulated across the state indicated different charges for event categories. Phone calls made to the contact numbers on the sticker were confirmed by officials who validated the information.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, also lauded the Federal Government over its recent move to recover landed properties allegedly hijacked and sold by the Makinde administration since 2019.
“The recent public announcement by the Federal Ministry of Housing, directing Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government to vacate federal lands and properties in Ibadan and Saki, has vindicated our party,” Sadare said.
He alleged that the development exposed the governor’s complicity in several cases of land grabbing involving properties belonging to government agencies, private individuals, and corporate organisations.
“The public will recall that our party warned against the unlawful takeover of lands belonging to ARCEDEM, NIHORT, and Radio Nigeria, among others, in Ibadan. Now that the Federal Government has intervened, we expect full compliance with its directive. None of those encroachments was in the overriding public interest,” the statement added.
On the new entertainment tax, the APC said the policy would further worsen the hardship faced by citizens who are already burdened by multiple levies.
“The introduction of entertainment taxes at this time is akin to pushing citizens to the wall,” the statement read. “With the current economic challenges, people try to find happiness and relief through social gatherings. Imposing taxes on such events is both unreasonable and inhumane.”
The party added that civil servants, artisans, traders, and commercial transport operators — including bus, motorcycle, and tricycle drivers — are already overtaxed by the state government.
“Instead of bringing comfort to the people, the Makinde administration keeps creating new avenues to exploit them,” Sadare said. “We call on the governor to rescind the entertainment tax policy immediately and focus on measures that will genuinely ease the burdens of governance on the people.”
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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