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OYO: Two months after council poll, ad hoc staff yet to receive allowances
AFTER the conduct of the local government elections held on May 12 this year, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) is yet to pay its ad hoc staff their allowances, Mega Icon Magazine exclusively gathered
Few weeks after the poll, OYSIEC had received several awards especially for transparency and peaceful conduct of the exercise.
The success recorded by the commission in the just concluded council polls can not be attributed to Chief Ajeigbe led executive alone, as ad hoc staff who were the field officers played pivotal roles in the exercise.
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Asides playing important roles in the exercise, the ad hoc staff made a lot of sacrifice at ensuring credible local government poll.
With all these, the ad hoc staff that participated in the exercise were yet to receive their entitlements two months after the conduct of the exercise.
Unlike their federal counterpart, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pays both training and elections’ allowances latest two to three weeks after the exercise.
But reverse is the case in Election conducted by OYSIEC as many problems characterized with the payment of the ad hoc staff allowances.
Also, investigations by Mega Icon Magazine further revealed that those served as ad hoc staff were told to bring their Biometric Verification Number (BVN) which is against the simple payment with any genuine means of identification.
According to some OYSIEC ad hoc staff, submission of BVN will not tally with the names submitted for registration, thereby called for method adopted by INEC in paying its ad hoc staff during elections.
Meanwhile, some of them see the idea of collecting their BVN as a way to deny ad hoc staff of their allowances.
It was alleged that there is no fund to pay the registered ad hoc staff hence the need for the commission to use different tactics to delay people from collecting their legitimate allowances.
Although, a stakeholders meeting was held recently at the commission’s headquarters where OYSIEC members at the local governments were told about the modality of payment.
The decision and modality to be taken by OYSIEC, according to those participated in the meeting will not go down well by many ad hoc staff.
As at press time, effort to reach the Commission’s spokesperson, Cosmos Oni proved abortive as his MTN line was not reachable. But, an inside source, who pleaded anonymity confirmed the delay in the payment of ad hoc staff, but assured that it would be resolved soon.
It was also gathered that the directive to submit their account numbers and BVN is from the governor’s office and finance commissioner to checkmate multiple payment.
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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