Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has challenged President Bola Tinubu's administration to provide greater clarity on the plan to establish additional military divisions to tackle insecurity across Nigeria. Speaking during an APM Town Hall meeting in the North-Central, Makinde questioned the planning behind the proposed expansion of military formations. He emphasized that the Federal Government should not establish new military divisions without adequate planning and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Makinde also expressed concerns about the increased allocations to state governments from the Federation Account, questioning whether it had translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians, particularly in addressing hunger. He noted that despite receiving more allocations, the increase had not sufficiently addressed the economic hardship confronting citizens. When he assumed office in 2019, Oyo State depended on federal allocations for almost 80 per cent of its revenue.
In a related development, the Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services. This paves the way for the state to transmit its resolution to the National Assembly. The bill was passed for third reading during plenary after the state lawmakers considered its provisions clause by clause at the Committee of the Whole.
Meanwhile, Accord Party (AP) presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has highlighted his stance on national unity and cultural diversity. During a visit to the Omo Ibile Igbomina House in Ganmo, Kwara State, Hashim emphasized that the nation doesn't need to erase its cultural differences to achieve national cohesion.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured Lagos residents and visitors that the government would continue to strengthen security. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor said the government would not relent on its efforts to ensure that criminals don't find a place for their evil activities in the state.
Sanwo-Olu met with security chiefs at the State House Marina on September 29, where he was briefed on all security activities and plans to strengthen the system ahead of the end-of-year activities. This move is part of the government's efforts to maintain security in the state.
The various reactions from the governors and candidates highlight the ongoing efforts to address insecurity and improve living conditions in Nigeria. The establishment of state police services and the strengthening of security measures are part of the measures being considered to tackle the challenges facing the country.
Key points
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde questions FG's plan to establish new military divisions and increased allocations to states.
- Oyo State House of Assembly passes bill to establish state police services.
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assures of strengthened security measures.
