State assemblies should facilitate state police creation, not IGP — Makinde

By Adeola Badru

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged the Federal Government to empower state Houses of Assembly to facilitate the creation of state police, rather than placing the responsibility on the Inspector-General of Police.

Makinde made the call on Thursday during the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries organised by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) held at the Watershed Celebration Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.

The governor, while addressing party faithful and delegates at the event, said the current security challenges confronting parts of the country had further justified the need for state police structures.

Referring to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, Makinde described the period as difficult for both himself and the state.

“This is a very tough period for me as a person and also for our state. But people know that security has always been one of the major pillars of this administration since we introduced Omituntun 1.0, and it remains a major focus,” he said.

Makinde explained that the South-West security outfit, Amotekun, was created as a stopgap because the country failed to establish state police.

“Before this administration came on board, there was nothing like Amotekun in Oyo State. We wanted state police, but because we did not get it, we created Amotekun as an alternative arrangement.“

“They should stop wasting Nigerians’ time. If they truly want state police, they should not ask the Inspector-General of Police to create it for us. Our State Assemblies should be given the authority and support to establish state police. Within the shortest possible time, state police will become a reality,” he stated.

The governor also appreciated residents for supporting his administration and the existing political arrangement in the state, expressing confidence that the “Omituntun” agenda would continue beyond his tenure.

“You have seen Omituntun 1.0 and Omituntun 2.0. Omituntun 3.0 will even be sweeter and better for the people,” he declared.

Makinde, however, advised the APM governorship consensus candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to forge his own political identity and not inherit his political battles.

“I have told Bimbo not to inherit my enemies. He should chart his own course. I am only human and I made mistakes just like everyone else.“

“Whatever we have done that can be improved upon should be improved upon for the benefit of our people in Oyo State,” he said.

Earlier in his acceptance speech, the APM governorship consensus candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, described the occasion as “a defining moment in the political history of Oyo State,” saying it signified continuity of governance and development.

Adekanmbi praised Governor Makinde for what he described as transformational leadership and for restoring confidence in governance across the state.

According to him, Makinde’s administration had brought accelerated and sustainable development through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and workers’ welfare.

He said: “Today is not just another political gathering. Today is history speaking. Today is destiny unfolding. Today is the continuation of a movement that has restored hope to our people and dignity to governance in Oyo State.“

“I specially appreciate the architect of modern Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, whose leadership has redefined governance and transformed politics in our dear state.“

“At a time when many had lost faith in governance, he restored confidence. At a time when politics was driven by bitterness and division, he chose inclusion, competence and compassion.”

Adekanmbi assured residents that his administration, if elected in 2027, would consolidate on the achievements of the current government through what he termed “continued development.“

“We are moving into an era of continued development, development that will not stop halfway, development that will not abandon the people, development that will reach the grassroots and empower our youths and women.“

“We shall continue to strengthen education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, technology, commerce and especially the security of lives and property,” he stated.

The APM candidate also addressed the growing insecurity in parts of the state, especially the recent kidnapping incidents in Oriire Local Government Area, stressing that security would remain central to governance under his proposed “Omituntun 3.0” agenda.

“The current security challenges confronting our people underscore the urgent need for sustained investment, stronger collaboration and improved coordination among security agencies.“

“In Omituntun 3.0, we will continue to place the security of lives and property at the forefront of governance because without peace and security, our people cannot fully enjoy the developmental gains envisioned in our agenda,” he added.

Adekanmbi further extended appreciation to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in the state for its collaboration with the APM, saying politics should not destroy relationships and collective aspirations for the progress of Oyo State.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, Dayo Ogungbenro, described the alliance between the PDP and APM as historic and unprecedented in Nigeria.

Ogungbenro said the coalition represented a significant political movement aimed at sustaining progress and development in the state.

“This is a defining moment and a day of destiny when history is being rewritten. It is the first of its kind, not only in the South-West but in Nigeria, where two political parties have come together to chart the path of progress,” he said.

He praised Governor Makinde for providing leadership for the coalition and expressed confidence that Adekanmbi would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.

The PDP chairman, speaking partly in Yoruba, thanked God for frustrating the plans of political opponents against Governor Makinde and the coalition.

He said the gathering reflected the support of men, women, youths, elders and even unborn generations for the political arrangement in the state.

“Adekanmbi is a bridge builder and, by the grace of God, he will deliver the state in 2027,” Ogungbenro declared.

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