Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, renewed calls for the creation of state police following the abduction of teachers and students at three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
- +Makinde renews call for state police after Oyo school abduction
Makinde said the incident had made the current period difficult for both him and the state.
Makinde said the incident had made the current period difficult for both him and the state.
He also urged the Federal Government to empower state Houses of Assembly to facilitate the establishment of state police structures rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the Inspector-General of Police.
The governor made the remarks during the Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries organised by the Allied Peoples Movement at Watershed Celebration Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
The PUNCH reports that teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, penultimate Friday.
Speaking at the event, Makinde said, “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.
“Before this administration came on board, there was nothing like Amotekun in Oyo. 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.”
The governor commended residents of the state for supporting his administration and the current political arrangement, assuring them 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 said.
Makinde also advised the APM governorship consensus candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to build his own political identity rather than 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,” the governor said.
In his acceptance speech, the APM governorship consensus candidate, Adekanmbi, described the occasion as a defining moment in the political history of the state.
He said, “Makinde’s administration had brought accelerated and sustainable development through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and workers’ welfare.
“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.
“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.”
