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‘True federalism is the only way to go” – Adebanjo harps
Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo has renewed his call for a return to true federalism to correct the in balance and injustice on the present political arrangement.
Chief Adebanjo said in a special interview on the television channel of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS TV ) that most problems affecting the nation are rooted in a distorted constitution crafted by the military.
The elder statesman said, “the beginning of our problem in this country was the military coup of 1966. The people who want to do mischief, particularly our brothers from the North are cheating us under the present structure imposed on us by the military in 1966. As long as that constitution exists, those of us in the South who took part in the founding of this nation under our constitutional democracy will not accept.”
He also frowned at lopsidedness on slack of openness in the creation of local governments which he said was in favor of the North.
“This constitution created local governments which they use to distribute resources. But the North is in an advantaged position”,he said.
The Afenifere chieftain further lamented that “this is a country where a section is imposing its will on the rest. They are using false population to get majority in the parliament”. Adding that the return to the genuine federal structure is imperative to free the rest of the country from servitude.
The Elder statesman blamed some Yoruba leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) for not being bold enough to speak the truth to power because of their selfish ambition.
“Our brothers who are in the APC will say they cannot do without the North and I dare say we are equal partners in this federation. Tinubu is hesitant for just no cause. Buhari is deceiving him. When he (Buhari) leaves, he will make him the President. And if you ask the governors, they will say that thinking is just in the air,”
Adebanjo said.
According to Adebanjo, it is wrong to believe that Nigeria will disintegrate if the nation returns to true federalism as recommended by the 2014 National Constitutional Conference organized by Goodluck Jonathan administration.
He said Nigeria was very strong in the pre independence era with Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Premier of Western Regional, Nnamdi Azikiwe as Premier of Eastern Region, Sadauna as Premier of Northern Region, with Tafawa Balewa at the centre.
The Afenifere leader added, “the founding fathers designed the country to run a federalism with the understanding of the people’s diversities and for each of the constituent to develop at its own pace.”
He took a swipe at many politicians in Nigeria, especially those in the South West who used the platform of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the former Premier of Western Region to gain recognition and win elections but abandon the late sage’s ideas, saying political office should be for service, freedom and advancement of the people.
Chief Adebanjo said the Amotekun security network model has sent jitters down the spines of authorities in Abuja, stressing that it was an initiative which is aimed at giving the states a measure of freedom in securing their areas.
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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