Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and curb rising criminal activities across the country.
Governor Makinde made the call on Thursday during the governorship and legislative primary elections of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) held at the Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
The governor urged the Federal Government to work with state houses of assembly to accelerate the enactment of the necessary laws required for the creation of state police.
According to him, the establishment of state police would enhance local intelligence gathering and improve the ability of state governments to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats within their territories.
Makinde also reassured families of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State that efforts were ongoing to secure their safe return.
He stated that security had remained one of the major pillars of his administration since he assumed office and assured residents that his government would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property.
The governor appreciated the people of Oyo State for supporting his administration over the last seven years, noting that the cooperation of residents had contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by his government.
He subsequently called on the people of the state to extend the same support to the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Hon. ‘Bimbo Adekanmbi, in the 2027 general elections.
Makinde charged Adekanmbi to build his own relationships and chart an independent path in leadership, stressing that governance should be driven by vision, unity and service rather than bitterness and division.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, said the alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM would produce positive results not only for Oyo State but for the country at large.
During the event, Hon. ‘Bimbo Adekanmbi, alongside senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates, was presented to party members and delegates, who ratified them as consensus candidates.
Presenting certificates of return to the candidates, Fagbemi described Adekanmbi as a bridge-builder capable of sustaining the achievements of the Makinde administration and delivering quality governance to the people of Oyo State.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi assured residents that his administration would sustain the Omituntun vision championed by the current administration.
He promised continued development across all parts of the state and pledged to prioritise the safety and welfare of residents.
Adekanmbi also called for unity among party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, stressing that the future of Oyo State must be placed above personal ambitions and political interests.
According to him, the task ahead requires sacrifice, cooperation and collective commitment towards building a more prosperous and united state.
He further appreciated Governor Makinde for his support, friendship and political cooperation over the years, noting that the governor’s contributions to the development and democratic growth of Oyo State would remain significant in the history of the state.
In separate goodwill messages, Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr. Saka Balogun; Iba Oluyole, Oloye Nureni Akanbi and Chief Eniade Elejire urged residents to vote massively for all candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement in the 2027 general elections.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Chairman of All Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen, party leaders and other dignitaries.
