Insecurity: FG must create state police now –Makinde
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the creation of state police as a way of strengthening the security architecture and curbing criminality in the country.
Governor Makinde, who made this call on Thursday at the governorship and legislative primary elections of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) held at Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, asked the Federal Government to support the state houses of assembly to accelerate the process of enacting the required legislation.
The governor stressed that the establishment of state police would improve local intelligence gathering and enhance the capacity of states to respond swiftly and adequately to security threats within their domains.
While reassuring families and relations of the abducted children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state of their safe return, he added that right from the outset of his government, he had made security as one of the major pillars of his administration, adding that it would remain so.
He expressed appreciation to the people of Oyo State for supporting his administration over the last seven years, noting that the cooperation of residents had contributed immensely to “the unprecedented achievements” recorded by his administration.
He called on the people of the state to extend the same support to the APM governorship candidate, ‘Bimbo Adekanmbi, by voting for him in the 2027 general elections.
Governor Makinde charged Adekanmbi to chart his own path and build his own relationships, noting that leadership should be driven by vision, unity and service to the people, rather than bitterness or division.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state chairman of APM, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, said the partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM would yield great result, not only for Oyo State, but also the entire country.
Later, Adekanmbi; senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly nominees were presented to the gathering who ratified them as consensus candidates.
While presenting certificates of return to all the candidates, the APM chairman described Adekanmbi as a bridge builder who would continue with “the good work started by Governor Seyi Makinde and deliver good governance to the people of the state.”
Delivering his acceptance speech after being presented with his certificate of return, Adekanmbi assured the people of Oyo State that his administration would not derail from the Omituntun vision championed by the current administration.
He promised the people of sustained development in every part of the state, adding that his administration would prioritise residents’ safety.
He called for unity and solidarity among party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, noting that the future of Oyo State ought to be placed above personal ambitions and political interests as the task ahead requires collective sacrifice, cooperation and shared commitment towards building a more prosperous and united state for all residents.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for his support, “years of friendship, political brotherhood and cooperation,” adding that the governor’s contributions and sacrifices towards the development and democratic growth of Oyo State would remain significant in the history of the state.
