By Ayodele Oni
As the bill for the creation of state police scaled first legislative hurdle, Ondo state government has announced readiness to kickstart the security outfit.
The bill was passed on Thursday by the House of Representatives.
The state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, spoke in Akure on Friday during the 33rd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
On the state police, the Governor declared that Ondo State is fully prepared for the proposed initiative.
“For us in Ondo State, we’ve been ready a long time. Even during the time of my late predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwaroritimi Akeredolu, SAN, the structure that had been built, which I’ve also further strengthened.
“We have the structure, we have the people and all that is left for the approval of needed weapons and equipment.
“Yes, we have some equipment already that the law permits. But we need to further fortify them with more sophisticated equipment that will make them to be more effective and functional in the charge of their duty”, he said.
At the ceremony, Aiyedatiwa, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and elder statesman, the Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, called for deeper democratic reforms, stronger security coordination and sustained commitment to democratic governance.
The event, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Igbatoro Road, Akure, attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, youths, civil society organisations and security agencies in a broad-based commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and a continuing benchmark for credible elections anchored on accountability, rule of law and public trust.
He stressed that democracy is not a finished project but an evolving process requiring constant strengthening of institutions.
He noted that the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, remained the clearest expression of the people’s will and should serve as a reference point for electoral integrity and democratic conduct.
According to him, the anniversary offered an opportunity for sober reflection on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, particularly as the country moves towards another election cycle in 2027 amid persistent security challenges.
The Governor warned that insecurity remains a direct threat to democratic consolidation, stating that violence, fear and instability weaken civic participation and erode public confidence in governance.
He maintained that democracy cannot thrive where citizens are intimidated or unsafe.
He paid tribute to Oba Olu Falae, describing him as a respected elder statesman and enduring voice in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
He also commended Oshiomhole for what he described as an insightful lecture drawn from lived experience in labour activism and governance.
Reaffirming June 12 as a national benchmark for credible elections and unity, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted ongoing federal efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly security coordination through the National Security Council and inter-agency collaboration.
On state security architecture, he reaffirmed commitment under the OUR EASE Agenda to strengthening safety, infrastructure development and welfare-driven governance.
He disclosed that the Amotekun Corps had been strengthened through enrolment into the Contributory Pension Scheme, introduction of medical allowances, and recruitment of 500 additional personnel to improve operational capacity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the measures were aimed at closing security gaps and sustaining peace across the state, stressing that development cannot thrive in insecurity.
He sympathised with victims of recent attacks and abductions in the country and called for collective action against insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with civility, insisting that eligible voters must participate freely without intimidation or violence, and that every vote must count.
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