BREAKING NEWS: Governor Makinde Calls For State Lawmakers To Drive State Police Creation, Not IGP

BREAKING NEWS: Governor Makinde Calls For State Lawmakers To Drive State Police Creation, Not IGP

According to a report by Vanguard Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the Federal Government to stop delaying the establishment of state police, insisting that State Houses of Assembly should be empowered to drive the process independently.

Makinde made the statement during the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship primaries held at the Watershed Celebration Centre in Ibadan, where party members and delegates gathered ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor argued that allowing the Inspector-General of Police to control the process of creating state police has slowed down critical security reforms needed across the country. 

He maintained that state legislatures are better positioned to establish and supervise state policing structures effectively if granted the necessary constitutional authority.

According to Makinde, Nigeria’s worsening security situation, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, shows the urgent need for decentralised policing and stronger local security systems.

He noted that security has remained one of the major priorities of his administration under the Omituntun agenda, stressing that the current structure of policing has proven inadequate in addressing local security challenges.

Makinde also recalled that the South-West security outfit known as Amotekun was established after efforts to create state police failed at the national level. He described Amotekun as a temporary intervention designed to strengthen security and protect residents while broader reforms remain pending.

The governor insisted that once State Houses of Assembly receive legal backing, state police structures could be created quickly without unnecessary delays from federal authorities.

On political matters, Makinde advised the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to build his own political identity and avoid inheriting old political disagreements. He encouraged him to focus on governance, service delivery, and development.

In response, Adekanmbi commended Makinde’s leadership style and promised to continue development projects in areas such as security, infrastructure, and social welfare if elected governor in 2027.