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How APC Lagos Assistant Publicity Secretary Died 24hrs After Re-election

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Karamo Yesiro

By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State Chapter was Thursday, thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of Karamo Yesiro, the State Party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary.

Yesiro’s passing came barely 24 hours after his re-election as the Party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary at the Lagos State APC Congress held at Onikan Stadium.

The deceased was expected to be part of the newly elected Lagos State APC Executives who were  to be officially inaugurated at the Party Secretariat on Thursday.

In a statement issued by the Party through the Party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, the Party described Yesiro’s passing as a painful and tragic loss.

Oladejo said that the late party chieftain died shortly after being entrusted with the responsibility of serving in the State Executive Council.

“The Lagos State Chapter of the APC received with profound shock and deep sorrow the news of the sudden demise of our newly elected Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hon. Karamo Yesiro.

“Yesiro’s death came at a time when his energy, commitment and passion for progressive politics were most needed.

“Having just been entrusted with the responsibility of serving in the State Executive Council, he embodied dedication, loyalty and an unwavering belief in the ideals of our party,” Oladejo said.

The spokesman noted that although his tenure was tragically cut short, the late Yesiro left a lasting impression on colleagues and members of the party.

“His enthusiasm, humility and readiness to serve left a lasting impression on colleagues and members alike.

“He was a vibrant party man whose contributions to the growth and stability of the APC in Lagos State will not be forgotten,” he added.

Oladejo said the party leadership and entire membership extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s immediate family,  political associates, friends and supporters.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Lagos APC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, political associates, friends and supporters during this difficult time.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grants his soul eternal rest,” he said.

He added that the party stood united in mourning the painful departure of the late Assistant Publicity Secretary.

“Karamo Yesiro will be remembered for his service, commitment and belief in the progressive cause. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Oladejo said.

IGP Disu Removes Hundeyin As Force PPRO

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Benjamin Hundeyin

By Akinwale Kasali 

The newly sworn- in Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, barely 24-hours after was he was sworn-in as the IGP.

 

Hundeyin was appointed to the position six months ago by the former Inspector General of Police, Dr.

 Kayode Egbetokun. 

 

After he assumed the role, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP.

 

It was gathered on Thursday, the former FPRO’s redeployment is part of an ongoing restructuring within the Nigeria Police Force embarked upon by IGP Disu.

 

Hundeyin, who previously served under former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, was known for his strong communication background and experience, including international service with the UN–AU Mission in Darfur.

 

He was the former Lagos State Public Relations Officer, where he performed brilliantly well before he was promoted to the Force Headquarters. 

 

A replacement for the FPRO position is expected to be announced soon.

 

It was gathered from the Force Headquarters that IGP Disu already has his preferred candidate for the Police image-making Office.

ADC Accuses APC Of Prioritizing Politics Over Governance

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bolaji Abdullahi and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has dragged the administration of President Bola  Tinubu, citing what it called fiscal confusion, poor budget implementation, and repeated policy and appointment reversals.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the government appears more preoccupied with the politics of re-election than with governing the country.

 

The party pointed out that recent reports on the administration’s handling of national budgets since 2024 reflect “utter confusion and a historic level of incompetence.”

 

According to the statement, Nigeria is witnessing, for the first time in its history, a situation where a government is effectively running three national budgets simultaneously while implementing none effectively.

 

The ADC noted that although the 2024 budget was rolled over into 2025, only 17.7 percent of the capital component had been released by the third quarter of 2025, while overall implementation remained below 30 percent, with internal disbursements lagging significantly.

 

The party dismissed the government’s explanation that the situation represents a “deliberate strategy” and “transition cost” aimed at completing multi-year projects, describing the claim as “a blatant falsehood that cannot withstand scrutiny.”

 

It further alleged that 30 percent of the 2025 budget is scheduled to run from February to November 30, 2026, while the remaining 70 percent has effectively been rolled into the 2026 budget, which is still under consideration at the National Assembly three months into the year.

 

The ADC also recalled that President Tinubu had previously promised that the capital components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets would be fully implemented by March 31, 2026, a deadline the party said is clearly unattainable.

 

The party highlighted low capital budget implementation across critical sectors, stating that the Ministry of Power has implemented only 3.6 percent, Communications Technology 8.9 percent, Education 23.5 percent, and Health 32.5 percent.

 

“These are sectors critical to human capital development,” the statement said, adding that no serious government would allow them to remain largely underfunded while officials “live in obscene opulence amid widespread poverty.”

 

The ADC stated further that the only ministry to exceed its capital budget performance is the Ministry of Defence, which has reportedly reached 113.45 percent implementation, largely due to emergency funding through the Service-Wide Vote.

 

However, the party argued that the increased spending has not translated into improved security, citing reports that about 500 Nigerians may have been killed by terrorists in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Kebbi states during the current Ramadan period.

 

The ADC also questioned the government’s claims of record revenue and rising foreign reserves, noting that despite aggressive borrowing and increased taxation, budgets remain largely unimplemented while contractors remain unpaid.

 

“This is why Nigerians are suffering like never before,” the party said, asking: “What is this government doing with all the money from loans, revenues, and increased taxes?”

 

The party alleged that at least seven appointments and several policy decisions announced by the administration had been reversed shortly after being made, either immediately or following public backlash.

 

“This is what happens when a government is distracted,” the statement said.

 

The ADC accused the administration of prioritizing politics over governance, arguing that while insecurity worsens and poverty deepens, the government appears more focused on political victories and partisan interests.

 

According to the party, Nigeria still holds the unenviable record of having the largest number of people living in extreme poverty globally, with six out of every ten Nigerians unable to feed themselves adequately.

 

“Yet what we see is a government that continues to gloat over its ‘victory’ in the FCT election while obsessing over ADC online membership registration,” the statement concluded.

Aftermath of Gov. Yusuf”s Defection: Kano House Of Assembly Set To Impeach Dep.  Gov. Gwarzo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kano State Deputy Governor - Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo

By Ayodele Oni

For refusing to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment process against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Allegations against him which include gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust were traced back to when he served as a commissioner in the state between 2023 and 2024.

The notice of impeachment was presented on the floor of the Assembly by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action was taken in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

According to him, the impeachment notice contains several allegations linked to Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor.

Dala explained that the allegations border on diversion of local government funds, abuse of office and other actions considered impeachable under the constitution.

He alleged that while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and overseeing the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, the deputy governor participated in the diversion of funds meant for local government operations.

The majority leader told the Assembly that between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdussalam allegedly received a kickback of N1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas monthly.

According to him, the arrangement amounted to N66 million every month for seven months, totalling N462 million, which he said constituted a breach of public trust and undermined confidence in public governance.

Dala further alleged that between February and July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments from the local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

He stated that the payments amounted to N3.255 million monthly from each local government, bringing the total to about N726 million over the six-month period.

The lawmaker said the alleged payments constituted another breach of public trust and violated the principles of transparency and accountability expected of a public officer.

He said the alleged diversion of local government funds and abuse of office represented a fundamental breach of constitutional norms and ethical standards expected from public officials.

The majority leader told the Assembly that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, which meets the constitutional requirement for initiating the process.

He also urged the Speaker to approve the transmission of the notice to the deputy governor as required by law.

Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had defected to the APC along with some members of the House of Assembly and serving commissioners while those that refused to join the train have resigned their appointment.

Before their defection, they were all members of the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP) in whose ticket they were elected.

Judge Accuses NDLEA Of Persecuting Abba Kyari, Dismisses Case, Acquits Him

By
Adesina Soyooye
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DCP Abba Kyari,

By Adesina Soyooye

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has floored the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Court.

The NDLEA had dragged Kyari and two of his brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari to Court over allegations which bordered on non-disclosure of assets.

But on Thursday, a Federal High Court in Abuja on dismissed the case filed by  NDLEA against the Kyaris.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit for failure of the anti-narcotic agency to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the Honourable Judge the burden of proving a case beyond a reasonable doubt rests on the prosecution. In this case, Justice Omotosho said, the prosecution failed. He described the case against Kyari and his brothers as “persecution”, and

consequently discharged and acquitted the defendants of the charge.

Kyari, former Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and his two brothers had the date of ruling on the case against them fixed by

Justice Omotosho  after counsel for the NDLEA, Sunday Joseph, Kyari’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and his brothers’ Lawyer, Monjok Agom adopted their processes and presented their arguments.

In the 23-count charge, NDLEA named Abba, Mohammed and Ali as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

The Agency alleged that Abba and his two younger brothers, Mohammed and Ali, failed to make a full disclosure of their assets.

NDLEA said it uncovered 14 assets, including shopping malls, residential estates, polo playgrounds, lands and farmland belonging to Kyari which, the Agency, alleged,

Kyari failed to disclose his ownership of the property in different locations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Maiduguri in Borno.

It, also,  alleged that over N207 million and Є17, 598 were  discovered in Kyari’s various accounts in Guarantee Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Sterling Bank.

In the charge sheet marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, NDLEA accused them of “disguising of ownership of properties and conversion of monies.”

The offences it held,  are punishable under Section 35 (3) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and Section 15 (3) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

The Kyaris who pleaded not guilty to the charges, have been vindicated by the Court.

Why Nigerians are Poor – Peter Obi

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Presidential front-runner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the 2023 Labour Party candidate, has outlined the reasons why more than half of Nigeria’s population lives below the poverty line, despite the country’s wealth of natural and human resources.

While receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by their National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, who paid him a courtesy call in Abuja, Obi explained the reasons behind the persistent poverty in Nigeria.

“We are poor because we have chosen to be poor. We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds, and yet we expect to grow,” he stated. Obi reminisced about a conversation he had with political leaders in Indonesia, a country similar in size and population to Nigeria, which is thriving due to its better leadership.

To improve Nigeria, Obi recounted how the Indonesian leader advised him to combat the theft of public funds, invest in education and healthcare, and observe the positive outcomes as healthy, educated individuals contribute to the economy.

He emphasised that, in every viable economy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) drive growth, supported by a responsible and corruption-free government that creates an enabling environment.

“Join the fight for a great Nigeria. Stop worshipping those who steal your money, stop giving them titles, and stand up for what is right. Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from Councillor to President, and you will see the country change,” Obi urged.

Earlier, Comrade Obijuru Everest, the National President of ASVAN, expressed that they had been following Obi’s journey and believed it was important to associate with and support his aspirations to lead the country toward progress.

He pointed out that, despite their members being the engine of the economy, the government has failed to provide a conducive environment necessary for them to grow and make a meaningful impact.

ASVAN, which has membership and coordinators in all 36 states of Nigeria, comprises over two million skilled and unskilled artisans. They are advocating for a bill in the National Assembly to have their sector officially recognised so they can better regulate and control the activities of artisans in Nigeria.

“We have developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village, which will be equipped to help our artisans produce top-quality finished products, giving them an edge over their counterparts in other countries. We have been engaging with the government, which has promised us land for this project over the past three years, but we are still waiting. We have many initiatives to implement that will transform and develop Nigeria’s artisan sector and build the country’s economy,” Everest concluded.

*E-Sign:*

Ibrahim Umar

POMR Spokesman

March 5, 2026

Popular Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Alkali Zaria, Suspended For Criticizing Tinubu, Govs.

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu
Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Today, Governors fear the President more than they fear Allah. Who Is Tinubu

Suspended fiery and popular Northern Islamic Scholar/Cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, has sued for calm among his teeming followers, admirers, family members and relations.

This is as he urged them to view his suspension and the abrupt end to his Ramadan sermons as an act of Almighty Allah.

The Source reports that Sheikh Alkali Zaria who was  deployed to lead the annual Ramadan exegesis at the popular Mokas Mosque in Damaturu was, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, suspended by the leadership of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah JIBWIS, Jos faction, over actions considered to be against acceptable preaching norms.

The outspoken Muslim Cleric, had, in a recent Ramadan sermon launched scathing remarks against President Bola Tinubu and some Northern Governors over their alleged non-challant disposition to the problems of insecurity and excruciating economic hardships ravaging the Northern region of the country.

Besides accusing the Region’s Governors of paying lip-service to the problems of insecurity and economic difficulties facing the people, Sheikh Zaria roundly condemned them and other political leaders of worshipping and fearing President Tinubu more than Allah.

During the said sermon, Sheikh Alkali Zaria questioned the continued silence, lack of sincerity of purpose and the lackadaisical attitude of the region’s Governors, particularly those from the North West towards the festering insecurity in the North, with its concomitant sundry criminal activities including kidnapping for ransom and banditry.

According to him, the Region’s Governors have failed and abandoned the people, preferring to worship and fear President Tinubu more than God.

“Today people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Somebody will be abducted and taken to the bush. Then, they negotiate the ransom.

“Even though the abductors are completely ignorant, families will implore and beg. They will beat and kick their victims. Often, they will stamp their feet on their victims’ stomach even during Ramadan period.

“And one of the signs of catastrophes this generation will likely face is the tendency to revere individuals out of fear of their machinations.

“Look at how State Governors fear President Tinubu much more than they fear Allah. If you are in the APC, you are treated like a saint . If you are a member of the opposition, you will be treated like a devil.

“One will be confronted with trump-up charges. Who is Tinubu? You deceived us. You are a deceiver and cheat” Sheikh Alkali Zaria stated.

However, his no-holds-bar sermon elicited instant reaction from the apex body of Muslim Scholars/Clerics ,the JIBWIS ,which viewed his choice of words as inappropriate.

The National Chairman of the Council , Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, said the decision to axe Sheikh Alkali Zaria followed a meeting  with both State and Local Council representatives of the body in Yobe State.

But reacting to his suspension which has been widely condemned in the region, Sheikh Alkali Zaria wrote: To my followers, relatives and associates, I urge you to take heart. This was was destined to happen.

“I cannot exceed the days Allah has written for me to lead Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis in Damaturu .

“I urge you to be disciplined and loyal. What Allah has decided is the best for us” .

Ex-Bayelsa Gov Set To Quit PDP

By
James Orji
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Senator Seriake Dickson

Former Governor of Bayelsa state Seriake Dickson is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP after almost two decades as a member of Nigeria’s main opposition political party.
The former governor of the oil bearing state, on Wednesday, gave an indication that he was departing the PDP in a post he shared on his verified X handle.
“A Major Announcement is Coming!!! Tomorrow, Thursday, 5th March 2026, at 2:00 PM. I will be making an important statement at a Press Conference addressing the future of our people and our democracy,” Dickson wrote.
“Stay tuned. Be ready. Be part of the moment. #NDC #NigeriaPolitics #2027Elections.”
Since he made the announcement yesterday, speculations have been rife, among not a few Nigerians on which party he’s headed, and his next move concerning the politics of the state, as he’s widely regarded as the Kingmaker in the state.
The state current helmsman Douye Diri, the magazine recalls, rode on Dickson’s shoulder to become governor but the relationship between the two former allies broke down recent after the governor defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from the PDP.
According to sources in the state, Dickson has come to the realisation that his major gaol of remaining the Kingmaker in the state could no longer be served in the PDP, due to the fact that the party has been embroiled in protracted leadership crisis for months, as two factions led by Tanimu Turaki, a former Minister and Samuel Anyanwu claim leadership.
Added to Senator Dickson’s quagmire was the recent death of the state Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who sources claimed has been penciled down to succeed Governor Diri.
“The death of the former Deputy Governor shattered Dickson’s succession plan, and he’s now doing everything to ensure that the state did not slip out of his finger, particularly after his former ally, Diri’s surprised defection to the ruling APC, a move that has changed the ‘succession calculation’ of the former governor,” a source said.
According to sources close to the former governor, his next political move is to ensure that the state remains under his firm control, now that the ruling party is trying to consolidate its position in the state by ensuring that it produced the next governor.
“It’s a very tough situation for him at the moment judging from the fact that he’s now in the opposing camp with the state governor, a former political mentee and ally. His next party will determine whether he’s still the overall leader in the state,” another sources said.
It’s not sure at the moment which particular party Dickson is headed but some analysts insist that the ruling APC is totally ruled out of the calculations.
This school of thought said the former governor is considering joining the coalition party, African Democratic Congress, ADC or the recently registered Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC. The NDC was among the two political parties recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“Many fingers in the state and beyond are crossed as the former governor is set to announce his defection today. His decision will definitely change the succession calculations in the state ahead the 2027 elections, and the next governorship election in 2028,” said a source.
Currently representing Bayelsa West in the Nigerian Senate, the former governor has been a member of the PDP for almost 20 years, under which he also served as a member of the House of representatives before he became governor in 2012.

Ondo “Fake Pastor” Accuses Police Commissioner Of Extorting N2 Million To Secure Release

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fake Miracles Pastor in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Ondo State Police Command has commenced investigation into an alleged extortion of money from one of the six suspected fake Pastors that use fake miracles to defraud members of the public.

 

One of the suspects, who is the General Overseer of God’s Favorite Ministry, Prophet Olarewaju Fadahunsi, had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, calling for the investigation and suspension of the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, over an alleged ₦2 million extortion.

 

In a petition signed by his solicitor, Ibrahim Sulaiman, the “Cleric” accused the Commissioner and officers attached to his office of extorting ₦2 million from him and five other “Pastors” following their arrest in February 2026.

 

According to the petition, the “Pastors” were arrested on February 11 at St Paul Anglican Church, Odode-Idanre, where they were preparing for a three-day crusade. 

 

They were reportedly taken to the State Police Headquarters in Akure and detained for five days without being shown any warrant of arrest or formal petition against them.

 

Fadahunsi alleged that during their detention, the “Pastors” were accused of planning to stage “fake miracles” and were pressured to pay ₦6 million to secure their release. The amount was allegedly reduced to ₦2 million after negotiations.

 

He further claimed that the money was paid in cash through a Point of Sale operator into a Moniepoint account reportedly bearing the name “Mama Shade Ventures.” 

 

An additional ₦300,000 was allegedly given to an officer as “fuel allowance” before the “Pastors” were freed.

 

The “Cleric” also accused another “Pastor”, identified as Fayegbami, of acting as an informant and allegedly collaborating with some Police officers to target Pastors organising crusades for extortion.

 

The petition added that after their lawyer wrote to police authorities demanding redress, the “Pastors” were allegedly re-arrested and compelled to sign an undertaking not to pursue further action against the Commissioner. 

 

Two vehicles said to belong to them were reportedly impounded.

 

Fadahunsi urged the IGP to mandate a Deputy Inspector-General of Police to conduct an independent probe and ensure that any officer found culpable is sanctioned in accordance with the law.

 

Reacting to the allegations, the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal, dismissed the claims and insisted that the arrest was lawful and procedurally conducted.

 

In a statement, the Command said the six individuals were arrested as suspected fraudsters over an alleged miracle scam in Idanre, stressing that the operation was carried out in strict compliance with due process and established criminal investigation procedures.

 

“The arrest in question was conducted in strict compliance with due process and established criminal investigation procedures. At no time were laid-down operational guidelines compromised,” the statement read.

 

The Command disclosed that the suspects voluntarily made written and video-recorded confessional statements admitting their alleged involvement in the offence, adding that the statements were obtained in line with extant legal provisions and would form part of the evidence in court.

 

While denying any extortion, the Police said the allegations had been formally noted and that a “thorough, impartial and transparent investigation” had been ordered to ascertain the true facts.

 

The Commissioner of Police, according to the statement, categorically denied ever directing anyone to collect money on his behalf or for any purpose whatsoever, describing such conduct as contrary to the ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force and the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct.

 

The Command assured the public that any officer found culpable at the end of the investigation would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability and community-centred policing across the State.

IGP Disu: State Police Will Strengthen Professionalism, Deliver Effective Security In Nigeria

By
James Orji
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0
IGP Tunji Disu
IGP Tunji Disu

The new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated a committee for  the establishment of state police. The IGP made this known on Wednesday after his swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Committee is chaired  by Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, Director-General of the National Institute for Police Studies, Abuja, while Bode Ojajuni, a Commissioner of Police will serve as secretary.

Other members of the streeing Committee include Deputy Commissioners of Police, Suleyman Gulma and Okebechi Agora, Ikechukwu Okafor, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho, a Chief Superintendent of Police,  and Emmanuel Ojukwu, a retired Commissioner of Police.

The magazine reports that Disu was appointed last week by the president, screened by the Nigerian Senate and sworn-in yesterday by Tinubu in Aso rock, Presidential Villa, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to reports, one of the reasons he was appointed as the nation’s Chief Police Officer is to fulfil President’s Tinubu’s plan for a state police. His predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun was said to have been sacked because he foot-dragged on the issue.

Speaking after his swearing-in by the president, Disu said the Committee has been tasked with the responsibility to design a frame work for the establishment of state police as part of administration’s efforts  improve community-based policing in the country and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

Disu stressed that  the committee would review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs, propose an operational framework for state police structures, and address issues of recruitment, training, standards, funding, accountability and oversight.

He explained that state police will further encourage specialization, strengthen professionalism, and ultimately deliver more effective security outcomes for Nigerians.

He said, “Among other responsibilities, the committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks across the country, propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of State Police structures, address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards, and resource allocation and develop robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust

“This collaborative arrangement will encourage specialisation, strengthen professionalism, and ultimately deliver more effective security outcomes for our citizens.”

Recall that President Tinubu had two weeks ago urged the Nigerian Senate to provide the legal framework for the establishment of state police, which he said is cardinal to his administration.

President Tinubu made the appeal  during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying state policing could be the answer to the insecurity across the country, stressing that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots security and enable states to respond more swiftly to local challenges.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” the President said. “What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders and free our children from fear.”

He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement the existing federal security architecture while promoting intelligence-driven and community-focused law enforcement.

The President also commended the harmonious relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing unity as critical to defeating terrorism and banditry.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony. We are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all,” he said.

Tinubu further thanked the Senate for supporting key reforms of his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, which he described as bold but necessary decisions.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not have been possible. We are reformists together,” he said, adding that ending the subsidy regime curtailed what he termed “monumental corruption.”

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