Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on the Federal Government to fast-track the establishment of state police as part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and curb rising insecurity across the country.
Makinde made the appeal 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 stressed the need for the Federal Government to work closely with state houses of assembly to accelerate the legislative processes required for the creation of state police, noting that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering and enhance swift responses to security threats.
According to him, the establishment of state police would empower governors, who serve as chief security officers of their states, to coordinate security operations more effectively within their domains.
Makinde also assured families of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State that efforts were ongoing to secure their safe rescue.
He reiterated that security remains one of the top priorities of his administration and pledged continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The governor further appreciated residents for their support over the past seven years, saying their cooperation had contributed immensely to the successes recorded under the Omituntun development agenda.
Makinde subsequently threw his weight behind the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, urging residents to support him massively in the 2027 governorship election.
He advised Adekanmbi to provide visionary and people-oriented leadership anchored on unity, service and development rather than bitterness and division.
Earlier in his remarks, the Oyo State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, expressed confidence that the alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM would yield positive political outcomes for both Oyo State and Nigeria.
At the event, Adekanmbi, alongside candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly, was presented before party members and stakeholders, who ratified them as consensus candidates.
While presenting certificates of return to the candidates, Fagbemi described Adekanmbi as a bridge builder capable of sustaining the developmental strides of the Makinde administration.
In his acceptance speech, Adekanmbi pledged to continue the Omituntun agenda, assuring residents that his administration would prioritise security, infrastructure development and inclusive governance.
He also called for unity among party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, insisting that the collective future of Oyo State should take precedence over personal ambitions and political interests.
Adekanmbi further appreciated Governor Makinde for his political support and contributions to the development of the state, noting that his legacy would remain significant in Oyo State’s democratic journey.
Among dignitaries present at the event were 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; commissioners, lawmakers, party leaders and local government chairmen.