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We’ll deliver on our mandate, Makinde assures Oyo residents
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, declared on Thursday that his administration was determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
He also maintained that his government would continue to respect the rights of all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations.
Governor Makinde, who was speaking during a courtesy visit by Bishops of the Anglican Dioceses in Oyo State, said that his administration remained committed to providing good governance.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the Governor as stating that his administration remained committed to providing good governance and services that will be beneficial to residents across all religious lines.
He said: “This visit to congratulate this administration is actually not coming late because, about seven weeks ago, we were still talking about the Supreme Court judgment. When that judgment of Oyo State was delivered, another judgment was delivered which took away the mandate in Imo State. Having gone through the lion’s den, it is not late to congratulate us and I am appreciative of the visit.
“I also want to use the opportunity to thank you, spiritual leaders, because I got maximum support from you during the electioneering campaign and on the election itself. Of course, the support that we got cuts across the religious line.
“We have switched to the governance world because we are through with the electioneering. Now, we are set to deliver to the people of Oyo State, irrespective of their religious leanings.
“I am actually surprised when Bishop said we are doing very well but I know the Bishop’s Court in Ibadan and I know that going there right now, it’s very dusty. From around Islamic where they stopped the dualization going towards Akobo-Oju-Irin side, I know people living in that area and I have got feedback on what they are currently experiencing. So, I will just use this opportunity to let them know that we are feeling their pains right now. Of course, the contractor that was given that job happens to be one of the non-performing contractors in this state.
“The process is on to determine that contract and put people that are serious on the project. Also, for the rest of the state, we are looking at connectivity; how we can get our infrastructure to target our economy but you are also all aware of this local government issue going on. Apart from spiritual counselling, we also need prayers. We need you to remember us as individuals and also the state. Every time you are on the altar, remember us and pray for the state.
“I want to say that one of the major tasks for us is to tackle poverty and take the state from poverty to prosperity. Sometimes, people look at their individual interests and they say they worked and want to get their own benefits. Yes, positions may not go round; but if we fix that road from Moniya to Iseyin, and if that road is able to lead to more economic activities around that axis, anyone who is not lazy will derive some benefits from what we have done.
“Also, in the area of security, if we can secure an entire neighbourhood, then it will not matter whether people living in there are Christians or Muslims or traditional worshippers. We would have been able to provide security for everybody. We want to deliver on the mandate that we have right now.
“Please, support us and keep pointing out to us areas where we are falling short. We will pay attention and try to make amendments where possible. And where we cannot amend, we will provide explanation and justifications why we have taken the position that we have taken.”
The Anglican bishops, led by the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, with others including the Bishop of the Diocese of Ibadan, Most Reverend J.O. Akinfenwa; Bishop of Oke Ogun Diocese, Rt Revd Cornelius O. Adagbada and the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, among others, stated that their visit was to congratulate Governor Makinde on his victory at the poll and at the Supreme Court and to also pledge their spiritual and prayerful support to the Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Most Revd. Okubadejo said: “So far so good, we are encouraged by your leadership style. You have been demonstrating in word and in action that you are a servant leader; the one who has truly come to serve his people. We are happy with this. We have also observed that your policies in management strategies, which are people-oriented are seen loud.
In the education sector, we know what is going on. In the health sector, you have performed well. The welfare of the workforce, which is the prompt payment of salary, payment of backlogs of pensioners’ entitlements; security of lives and property; equipping the Police Force and the emerging Amotekun outfit. We are happy with other things happening in Oyo State.
“So, all the Bishops in Oyo State are saying Seyi is working and Oyo State is on the move. Your Excellency, please be free at all times to seek spiritual counsel and guidance on any of these matters and concerning religious harmony in the state. We will be glad to offer our counsel and guidance.
“On this note, we want to thank you very much for all we have seen so far. People are asking if this administration will be able to sustain what it has started. Before, they were asking if they can do it. Now that you are doing it, they are asking if you can sustain it. But we believe that God will back you up and empower you to sustain it.”
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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