News
Rejoinder: Did Oyo Govt. Diverts World Bank Loans Meant for Ibadan Flood Control To Ogun State Bank Account 2 Weeks Ago?
We had stumbled on a news piece with the above headline written by one Akin Ibrahimah and virally published in one Western Daily News on Tuesday, 11thOctober, 2022.
In all candidness, our initial disposition was to ignore the report on account of its lack of substance, coherence and credibility, as it was easily given away as an ill-intentioned and poorly executed work of mischief by its gross grammatical incongruity, amongst other inconsistencies, starting with the headline. We, however, decided to issue this media statement for the sake of the well-meaning citizens of Oyo State, especially the keen stakeholders of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) who see the Project as a veritable platform to secure their lives and livelihoods against the vagaries of perennial flooding in the city of Ibadan.
Now to the issues raised. First, the reporter claimed that “the World Bank about two weeks ago released another $25million for the continuation of the projects [IUFMP] for flood controls and damaged bridges across Ibadanland, part of which had been wired to an Ogun State Bank account for unknown reason.” While drawing down monies from the funder is an acceptable standard practice in the operations of projects fundedby multi-lateral agencies, it beats one’s imagination why a newspaper worth its name would not come up with details of the “Ogun State Bank account” where the money in question had been “wired.”
Anyone familiar with the Ibadan terrain would readily attest to the fact that in recent times, IUFMP has opened up some completed bridges and culverts to ease the movement of motorists, commuters and pedestrians. Some of the beneficiary-locations are Apete; Ajibode Road by NISER; Ladoke Akintola Road, New Bodija; Orogun-Agbowo Road; Adekile; Labo; and Barracks by Irepodun/Kajorepo Community off Ojoo Expressway. As at now, work is nearing completion at Akinwumi-Odewenwa by Ile Marun off Iwo Road and at Jerusalem Culvert along Ojoo – Arulogun Road.
Beyond the above giant strides, the Project has been on an upward swing in delivering many more interventions, including bridges, culverts, channelization of rivers, etc. The “four Lots” that the ‘reporter’ cited in his piece have been awarded and the contractors are all geared to ramp up performance, more so as we gradually inch towards the construction-clement weather of the dry season. If, therefore, there is any reason to be “in the news again this week,” it should be for these transformative works that are either already being delivered or at varying stages of completion, rather than this distractive, deceptive and diversionary report, which is nothing but a lie from the pit of hell!
As regards the second allegation that the “Labo bridge being done from the said loan, was criticized for lacking quality and the width needed to make the road motorists and commuters’ friendly,” this is evidently another hatchet job of an enemy of the people disguising as a friend. Labo Area near Oranyan in Ibadan South-East LGA is markedly a heavily built-up area in the heart of the sprawling city of Ibadan. Residents and commuters around the area know the extent and expanse of the road pre-intervention. Could it then be fathomed that IUFMP would do a bridge that would fall short of the existing one in terms of dimensions, scope and quality?
Besides, IUFMP has a track record of delivering world-class bridges and culverts dating back to its inception. The evidences are visible for all to see across Ibadan Metropolis, from the bridges at Odo-Ona Elewe (Believer’s Stream) and Ogbere-Pegba in Oluyole LGA; to Ogbere-Moradeyo and Ebenezery Bridges in Egbeda LGA; to Shasha-Osajin and Ola-Adua Culverts in Ido LGA; to Abonde-Ogbere Bridge in Ona Ara LGA to Isokun Culvert in Akinyele LGA. The rehabilitated Eleyele Dam is a spectacle to behold. All these and our ongoing interventions are done to international specifications and best practices, which are a product of serious-minded hydrological, hydrographical and engineering studies. The Labo Bridge is no exception to these standards.
On a final note, one cannot but wonder what the author of this campaign of calumny was all out to achievewith his copious and excessive reference in his write-up to the Abiola Ajimobi administration as the proponent of IUFMP. If anything, this clearly gives away his motive as an agent of some politically acrimonious fellows with an intent to hit below the belt. Without necessarily usurping the roles of the spokespersons of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, we think he deserves accolades, rather than flaks, for deciding to continue all the well-intentioned projects and programmes of Oyo State, regardless of who initiated them, in the overall best interest of the State. Oyo State has since started reaping the benefits of many of these interventions, which marks out His Excellency as someone who does not see position of authority only in the currency and colours of politics, but development of and to the people.
We, therefore, do hope that this writer and his ilk would desist from this tendency to cry wolf when there is none, and allow IUFMP and indeed the Oyo State Government concentrate on the all-important task of making life more abundant and meaningful for the good people of Oyo State.
e-Signed:
Abiodun Adefioye
Communication Consultant, IUFMP
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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