Home Blog Page 19

The Supreme Court Has Spoken: INEC Must Comply

0
Bode George

By Olabode George

 

“Wike, who has become the public face of this discord, should reflect carefully on the consequences of actions that many Nigerians perceive as contributing to division within the opposition and unnecessary tension within the democratic landscape”

“As one who witnessed the turbulent years that preceded Nigeria’s darkest national crisis, I must sound a note of caution. Political instability does not begin with conflict. It begins when justice is denied, when lawful authority is disregarded, and when constitutional institutions fail to act courageously and impartially. We must never travel that road again. That is why I call upon INEC to act strictly in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court and the requirements of the Constitution. The rule of law must prevail.

The authority of the Supreme Court must be respected.

The integrity of our democratic process must be protected.”

 

Fellow Nigerians,

I write today with a profound sense of duty and concern for the future of our democracy. This is a solemn warning to all those whose actions or inactions may be undermining the constitutional order upon which our nation rests.

The Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has spoken on the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Its judgment affirmed the lawful structure and democratic operations of the party and upheld the suspension of those who acted contrary to the party’s constitutional processes.

 

That judgment is not a suggestion. It is not open to selective interpretation. It is not subject to administrative convenience.

 

It is the final and binding pronouncement of the highest court in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Under our Constitution, there is no authority above the Supreme Court. Once the Supreme Court has pronounced itself on any matter, every institution, every public officer and every agency of government is under a constitutional obligation to comply.

 

That is the foundation of democracy. That is the essence of the rule of law. That is the bedrock of civilized governance.

It is therefore deeply troubling that weeks after this judgment was delivered and duly communicated, there appears to be an unwillingness or reluctance to give full effect to its clear provisions.

 

This raises fundamental questions.

Why should a judgment of the Supreme Court remain unattended to weeks after it has been delivered?

Why should duly transmitted communications appear to receive no response?

Why should lawful directives flowing from the highest court in the land be treated with indifference?

The Nigerian people deserve answers.

 

The Chairman of INEC is a distinguished Professor of Law. A senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). More than most Nigerians, he understands the meaning, implications and supremacy of a judgment of the Supreme Court. No Professor of Law should require persuasion to obey the law. No democratic institution should require pressure before complying with the decision of the nation’s highest court.

This is not merely about the PDP.

 

This is about the integrity of our democratic institutions. This is about whether the rule of law will prevail over political expediency. This is about whether constitutional order will triumph over manipulation.

 

The real danger before us is not partisan disagreement. The real danger is the gradual erosion of public confidence in our institutions. When court judgments are ignored, delayed or subjected to political calculations, democracy itself is weakened.

 

There is another matter that cannot be ignored.

The Supreme Court has affirmed the authority of the PDP to regulate its internal affairs in accordance with its constitution and democratic processes. Those who were subjected to disciplinary measures by the party have sought every available avenue to challenge those decisions.

 

The law has spoken.

Yet, despite this, there appears to be a continuing effort by certain individuals outside the recognised leadership structure of the party to interfere with its affairs, frustrate its lawful processes and create confusion within the political system.

 

A democracy cannot function properly when political actors seek to operate simultaneously as insiders and destabilisers. Political parties are built on discipline, loyalty, internal democracy and respect for collective decisions. No individual, regardless of status or influence, should place personal ambition above the interests of the party or the stability of the nation.

 

No one can profess loyalty to one political party while advancing the interests of another. No one can claim allegiance to one platform while actively working against its constitution, leadership and democratic processes.

 

Political integrity demands clarity of purpose and loyalty of commitment.

Political disagreement is legitimate.

 

Political competition is legitimate.

BUT POLITICAL DOUBLE DEALING IS NOT!!!

Chief Nyesom Wike, who has become the public face of this discord, should reflect carefully on the consequences of actions that many Nigerians perceive as contributing to division within the opposition and unnecessary tension within the democratic landscape.

No democracy can flourish when individuals seek to exercise influence without responsibility, authority without accountability, or power without regard for established constitutional processes.

 

What is at stake today is far greater than the fortunes of any individual politician. What is at stake is the integrity of our democratic process and the confidence of Nigerians in the institutions that sustain it.

 

Those who believe they can weaken constitutional order for temporary political advantage should remember that history is often unforgiving. The damage inflicted on institutions today may become the crisis of tomorrow.

 

Nigeria deserves stability.

Nigeria deserves justice.

Nigeria deserves leaders who strengthen institutions rather than weaken them.

Those who seek to manipulate lawful processes for political advantage must understand the gravity of what they are doing.

 

Nations are rarely destroyed suddenly. They are weakened gradually when institutions abandon fairness, when lawful processes are frustrated, and when citizens begin to lose faith in the impartiality of the system.

 

As one who witnessed the turbulent years that preceded Nigeria’s darkest national crisis, I must sound a note of caution. Political instability does not begin with conflict. It begins when justice is denied, when lawful authority is disregarded, and when constitutional institutions fail to act courageously and impartially.

 

We must never travel that road again. That is why I call upon INEC to act strictly in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court and the requirements of the Constitution.

 

The rule of law must prevail.

The authority of the Supreme Court must be respected.

The integrity of our democratic process must be protected.

I also call upon former Heads of State, traditional rulers, religious leaders, senior jurists and patriots across all political divides to speak out in defence of justice, due process and constitutional governance. Silence at critical moments in a nation’s history can be costly.

 

This is one of those moments. Enough is enough.

The Supreme Court has spoken. INEC must comply.

The nation is watching. History is watching.

And posterity will record where each of us stood at this defining moment in the life of our Republic.

 

May wisdom guide our leaders.

May justice prevail.

And may God continue to bless and protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


Chief Olabode George, a retired Navy Commodore,  is the Atona O’odua of Yorubaland

For Her Integrity, Abia Names 340-capacity Bus Terminal After Prof. Nnenna Oti

0
Umahia Central Bus Terminal

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Professor Nnenna Oti, has been honored by the Abia State Government.

 

Professor Oti was honored by naming the ultra modern  340- capacity new bus terminal for her unparalleled integrity and discipline. She refused, in the face of pressure, to succumb to corrupt activities. So, she was honored for her selfless and honest service to her country.

 

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti,  announced the honor at the   commissioning ceremony of the  340-capacity Umuahia Central Bus Terminal in the state capital. He described the bus stop as a reflection of his administration’s drive for world-class infrastructure, economic development, improved transportation, and renewed public confidence in governance.

 

You would recall that Professor Oti was the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for the 2023 governorship election in Abia State. She was the one who declared Oti governor-elect.

 

During the electoral process, Professor Oti displayed courage, integrity, and commitment to truth during the electoral process.

 

Said Governor Otti, “Professor Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our state’s history, doing the right thing despite enormous pressure. She restored public confidence in the electoral process and became a symbol of integrity for future generations.”

Professor Nnenna Oti
Professor Nnenna Oti

Greeted by  applause, Professor Oti reaffirmed her stand, and said that she acted in fulfilment of her duty to ensure that the will of the people prevailed.

 

“I stood, and I still stand, that votes must count and that the wish of the people must prevail,” she said.

 

Otti disclosed that the terminal is part of a “broader transport reform agenda aimed at building an organised, safe, and efficient mobility system across the state.” He also said that following the delivery of hundreds of kilometres of roads, his administration “has expanded its focus to modern transport infrastructure, including bus terminals, transport shelters, traffic management systems, and electric buses.”

 

The late Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, who initiated the project, was commended by the Governor who  described his passing as “painful and unfortunate.”

 

The terminal, the Governor said, “was designed with emphasis on accessibility, environmental sustainability, commuter comfort, and inclusivity for persons living with disabilities.

 

“The days of playing small are over in Abia State. What we are building is a modern transport ecosystem that supports commerce, mobility, safety, and economic prosperity.

 

Governor Otti said that

the facility features over 62 air conditioners, more than 30 public conveniences, 22 shops, commercial spaces, a restaurant and a motel.

Ebola: FG Names Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Taraba As High Risk States

0
Ebola Virus

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Following the spread of deadly Bundibugyo Strain of Ebola Virus Disease in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has alerted the public of possible outbreak and spread of the disease in the country, citing increasing regional transmission, international travel, porous borders, and population movement.

 

The disease in question, the agency noted, is already spreading in parts of East and Central Africa.

 

It was gathered that the NCDC in a national public health advisory issued to Commissioners of Health in the country which was dated May 27, 2026, noted that there are growing concerns over the spread of the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola — a rare strain for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

 

The agency listed Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as high risk States, as well as Abuja because of their international airports, seaports, border routes, and high human traffic.

 

A statement by the NCDC stated that, “The immediate objective of our national preparedness and readiness efforts is to ensure that every state and the FCT can reasonably detect, contain, and respond swiftly to any suspected case while protecting health workers and sustaining essential health services”.

 

The agency, also, disclosed that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case, a dynamic risk assessment conducted after the outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern showed that the danger of importation into Nigeria remains high.

 

NCDC added that 1,077 suspected cases and 247 deaths have already been reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a fatality rate of 24.6 per cent.

 

The outbreak has, also, according to the agency triggered international concern, with suspected cases reportedly identified in India, while Canada has announced temporary restrictions on travel applications involving residents of Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan.

 

“The current Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccines or approved targeted therapeutics.

 

Health workers must not wait for bleeding before suspecting Ebola in any patient with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or exposure history’ the agency submitted.

 

As part of the emergency preparedness measures, NCDC noted that its National Emergency Operations Centre has already been activated in alert mode to coordinate nationwide response efforts while adding that state governments have been directed to immediately activate Ebola preparedness structures, identify isolation centres, intensify surveillance at entry points, equip frontline health workers with personal protective equipment, and begin public sensitization campaigns to counter panic and misinformation.

Ekiti Gov. Election: Kaduna Gov. Heads Nat. APC Campaign Council

0
Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State
Governor Uba Sani

By Ayodele Oni

 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election.

 

This was  disclosed on Friday by the Party, which stated that the high-powered National Campaign Council has membership of prominent chieftains of the party.

 

Governor Uba Sani was earlier appointed Chairman of the Campaign Council by the party on April 24, 2026, ahead of the election scheduled for June 20, 2026, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

The Campaign Council, unveiled by the APC National Secretariat at Buhari House, Abuja, comprises top party leaders, governors, ministers, federal lawmakers, and key political stakeholders across the country.

 

According to the document signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Basiru, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will serve as Vice Chairman of the council.

 

Other prominent members include Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors Hope Uzodimma, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Babagana Zulum, Dapo Abiodun, Ahmed Aliyu, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

Former governors Kayode Fayemi and Yahaya Bello, alongside ministers Dele Alake, Sunday Dare, and Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, were also named members of the council.

 

The APC further constituted strategic sub-committees on Election Planning and Management, Finance and Resource Mobilisation, Media and Publicity, Security, as well as Women and Youth Mobilisation to coordinate campaign activities ahead of the poll.

 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has concluded campaign tour of the 16 local council of the state and is currently meeting with various unions and groups.

 

Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 13 political parties are on the ballot paper for the June 20 off season governorship election in Ekiti state.

 

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mallam Mohammed Kudu, spoke at INEC Forum for Media Executives, in Ado-Ekiti as part of preparations for the off-cycle governorship poll.

 

He described the Ekiti governorship election as an important political test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Kudu noted that the election would be conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties expected to participate.

 

According to him, the election is coming at a time of growing concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, misinformation, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.

NUT Take To Streets Over Abducted  Oyo School Children, Teachers, Laments Govt’s Insensitivity

0
NUT Take To Streets Over Abducted Oyo School Children

By Akinwale Kasali

 

It has been two weeks since school children and their teachers were abducted from their schools in Oriire Local Government of Oyo State. While one of the teachers was shot dead in one of the schools, another,  a mathematics teacher,  was beheaded by thr abductors while in captivity.

 

The abductors while carrying out the inhumane activity videod it and made it go viral by posting the horrifying action on the internet.

 

Sadly, the Nigerian Government led by President Bola Tinubu is yet to take a drastic action in bringing back the Children and their Teachers from the abductors den.

 

Following the alleged insensitivity, hundreds of teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in Oyo State, took to the street in Oyo State to express their grievances. They called on the Federal, State Government and Security Agencies to bing back the Children and their Teachers homes.

 

During the protest tagged

‘Bring Back Our School Children and colleagues’, the teachers took to the streets, to  clamour for the safe return of the Children and Teachers.

 

The protesters converged at the busy Iwo Road axis in Ibadan, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with different inscriptions like; ‘Bring Back Our School Children and Colleagues’, ‘The Children are Innocent’, ‘Save Us From This Nightmare’, ‘President Tinubu, Rise To The Occasion And Bring Back Our Children and Colleagues”, “Bring back our children, no more bandits’, among other inscriptions.

 

The Protesters marched through the Capital City down to the House of Assembly and Governor’s Office in Agodi.

 

The demonstration follows the May 15 incident where heavily armed kidnappers invaded Esiele in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting over 40 students and teachers.

 

Following the incident, the terrorists released footage showing how their victims are being punished deep within the forest.

 

With two weeks in captivity with no positive outcome, Primary and Secondary school teachers in the State stormed the streets to demand for action from  relevant authorities.

 

This development follows an earlier protest staged by concerned residents over the same kidnapping incident just a week ago.

“Kwankwaso Also Was Once My Boy” –  Ganduje Fires Back

0
Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The mind game raging between the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and his estranged political godson, Governor Abba Yusuf, on Friday, May 29, 2026, expanded with the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje,  joining the fray.

 

The Source reports that Senator Kwankwaso, who was, also, a former Governor of Kano State,  ignited the tinder box a couple of days ago, when, during an interview with the Trust TV, not only referred to Governor Yusuf as his political godson, but also as “his boy”.

 

However, Governor Yusuf was so incensed by Kwankwaso’s reference of him as a “boy” that he took a swipe at his erstwhile political mentor, with a stern warning to give him a full measure of his acerbic side should he  dare to address him in such a manner in future.

 

Addressing All Progressive Congress, APC, members and supporters at a function penultimate week, Governor Yusuf warned that he may be forced to open a can of worms that may prove a handful for Kwankwaso should he once again refer to him as boy.

 

“Kwankwaso is 69 years old, and I am 63. So, how can a 69 year old be calling a 63 year old a boy?”, Governor Abba fumed.

 

But while addressing members and supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement at his Miner Road, Bompai Kano residence on Wednesday, Kwankwaso not only insisted that Governor Yusuf remains his boy, he also claimed that even former Ganduje can never denied being his boy at some point.

 

“I was made to understand that some people don’t want to be referred to as my boy.

 

“Now, if not out of disrespect, will Abba Kabiru Yusuf say he is not my political son? If it is not out of disrespect , will Abdullahi Umar Ganduje say he is not my politicalson?”, the Kwankwasiyya Movement leader queried.

 

But reacting on Friday, Dr Ganduje who is presently away in Saudi Arabia for the Muslim pilgrimage, described Kwankwaso as his political crony at a point on his political journey.

 

In a statement signed by  Mohammed Garba, his Chief of Staff, the former National Chairman of the ruling APC, noted his pivotal roles in pushing Kwankwaso up the political ladder, beginning from the botched third Republic, when assisted in no small measure in his emergence as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

 

“At that time, Ganduje could confidently have referred to Kwankwaso as his political boy, having supported him morally and financially during that period”, Garba stated.

 

Ganduje also emphasized that Kwankwaso was a frequent visitor to his office while serving as a senior civil servant with the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and later, as the Kano State Commissioner for Works, during the military era.

 

This is as he described as unnecessary the descent into introducing, what he called “boy-master” rhetorics into contemporary political discuss at a time the people are expecting their leaders to focus on good governance and development.

 

Revisiting the events of 1998, Ganduje insisted that the popular perception among stakeholders and observers was that he actually defeated Kwankwaso during the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries, but was cajoled to deputize Kwankwaso in the interest of then emerging democracy.

 

Ganduje, however, admitted that both of them maintained a very good, and mutual working relationship between 1999 and 2003 and 2011 and 2015 when they served as Governor and Deputy Governor.

 

Waxing philosophical, Ganduje admonished that politics should not be reduced to  the level of  “master-servant” relationship, maintaining political relationships evolve overtime.

 

“Politics should not be about who is superior to the other. A father can nurture a child who eventually becomes greater in status, and influence”, the statement noted .

Horrific Scene In Cross River As Serial Killer Is Nabbed

0
Akaninyene

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South south Bureau Chief

 

Creek Town in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State is convulsing with horror and anger following the arrest of a suspected serial killer simply identified as Akaninyene. This magazine learnt that his arrested followed intelligence reports linking him to the disappearance and murder of several persons in the community.

 

According to reports, security operatives, including men of the Nigerian Army and tactical special forces, tracked the suspect to a secluded hut inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community.

 

The suspect allegedly attempted to flee after trying to retrieve a weapon from the hut but was quickly apprehended by security operatives.

 

During a search of the hideout, operatives reportedly discovered eight shallow graves containing bodies buried without heads, with plantain crops planted over the graves to conceal them.

 

Akaninyene allegedly confessed, during interrogation, to killing about 30 people in the area. He also reportedly revealed that a female accomplice helped lure victims before they were killed.

 

The latest incident said to have occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, reportedly raised suspicion after residents heard cries and a struggle from the victim.

 

Community leaders and youths alerted authorities, leading to the operation that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

 

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the incident is still being verified by the police.

FCT Senatorial Race: Aisha Yesufu Steps Down As Amanda Pam, Emerges As NDC Consensus Candidate

0
Amanda Pam and Aisha Yesufu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Following speculations that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has endorsed another aspirant, prominent activist Peter Obi’s ally, Aisha Yesufu, has stepped down from the  Senatorial race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

Yesufu had earlier announced her intention to contest the FCT senate seat ahead of the 2027 elections shortly after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC.

 

She explained then that her decision to seek elective office was inspired by the leadership experience she acquired while in the ADC.

 

Her withdrawal follows strong speculation that the party leadership had already endorsed another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who has, reportedly been with the NDC before Yesufu joined the party.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the activist disclosed that the party would not hold primaries for the FCT senatorial ticket, bringing her ambition to an end.

 

“Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the Senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!”, she said.

 

Despite the development, Yesufu appealed to her supporters to stay focused on the broader political goal ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 

“I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!

 

“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards #AishaForSenate project.”

 

She also pledged to continue engaging with residents across the six area councils in the nation’s capital.

 

“In the coming week I will be returning back to all the six Area Councils God willing to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT.”

Seven Years After, NUC Accredits Bayelsa University Medicine Programmes

0
National Universities Commission - NUC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Reprieve has come for medical students of the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) as the National Universities Commission, (NUC) gave approval for its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, as well as its Health Administration programme.

 

This is coming almost seven years after the institution was established, during which medical graduates of the University were denied necessary recognition by professional bodies.

 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Dimie Ogoina, disclosed this during an appearance on Talk to Bayelsa, describing the approval granted by the NUC as a significant achievement for the institution and a testament to its rapid growth and commitment to excellence.

 

Prof Ogoina explained that the full accreditation, which was granted in April 2026, followed years of deliberate investments in qualified manpower, modern infrastructure, and clinical training facilities aimed at meeting national and international standards in medical education.

 

According to him, the accreditation has further enhanced the university’s credibility and reputation, positioning it as one of the emerging centres of excellence in medical and health sciences education in Nigeria and beyond.

 

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Bayelsa State Government for its unwavering support, noting that the institution’s progress would not have been possible without sustained investments in infrastructure development, staff recruitment, research, and academic expansion.

.

He recalled that the university was established to address the shortage of specialised healthcare professionals in Nigeria and the Niger Delta region, adding that it currently offers programmes in key health-related disciplines, including Radiography, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Community Health, Nursing Science, and other allied health sciences.

 

Prof Ogoina further revealed that the university has embraced innovation-driven learning by establishing state-of-the-art facilities such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories to enhance teaching, learning, and clinical simulations for students.

 

On infrastructure development, he disclosed that the ongoing development of the university’s permanent campus at Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area would significantly ease pressure on existing facilities at the Yenagoa campus.

 

He added that additional student hostels being constructed through the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would help improve accommodation and welfare for students.

 

Addressing concerns over admission standards and tuition fees, Prof Ogoina maintained that the university remains committed to merit-based admissions and the maintenance of global best practices in medical education.

 

He also noted that Bayelsa State indigenes currently enjoy a 50 per cent tuition fee rebate, while students can access various government-backed educational loans and scholarship schemes designed to make quality medical education more affordable and accessible.

 

The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the university would continue to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its contribution to healthcare delivery, research, and human capital development in Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.

Insecurity In Oyo: APC Blames Makinde For Lack Of Direction; Makinde Insists On FG’s Failure

0
Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has blamed the state government for what it described as the deteriorating security situation. It insisted that the administration’s approach to governance had weakened security coordination across the State.

 

But Governor Seyi Makinde urged the Federal Government to support constitutional reforms that would empower states to develop their own policing systems, saying this remained critical to improving security outcomes across the country.

 

The APC, however, rejected the governor’s position, insisting that the call for state police could not substitute for what it described as failures in governance and security management at the state level.

 

The APC, in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, argued that the current level of insecurity in Oyo State was avoidable, alleging that key stakeholders in community security structures had been sidelined in the government’s security strategy.

 

It also claimed that the state government had not effectively deployed resources meant to strengthen security operations, insisting that misplaced priorities had contributed to rising criminal activity.

 

“The administration has failed to properly manage the security architecture of the state. Instead of strengthening coordination at the grassroots, attention has been diverted to political showmanship.”

 

The APC further alleged that funds committed to surveillance and security equipment has not yielded visible results, while also faulting the welfare and operational capacity of the Amotekun Corps in the state.

 

According to the APC, poor remuneration and limited logistical support affected the effectiveness of local security operatives deployed across communities.

 

The party also revisited past debates on state policing, accusing Governor Makinde of inconsistency in his position on the issue, noting that he had previously opposed the proposal before recently supporting it.

 

It maintained that the governor must take responsibility for security lapses in the state as the constitutionally recognised chief security officer.

 

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde, in a separate engagement in Ibadan, expressed concern over recent abductions in parts of the state, particularly attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

 

The governor described the situation as troubling and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of victims and restore calm to affected communities.

 

Makinde also renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would better address local security challenges than the current centralised structure.