Oyo State Governor, , on Thursday urged the Federal Government to stop delaying the creation of state police, insisting that the country can no longer afford prolonged debates while insecurity continues to escalate across different parts of Nigeria.
Makinde declared that the establishment of state police remains one of the most practical and effective solutions to the worsening security challenges confronting the nation.
The governor stressed that governors and local authorities are better positioned to gather intelligence and respond swiftly to threats within their domains.
The governor on spoke on Thursday at the governorship and legislative primary elections of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), held at the Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
He called on the Federal Government to work closely with state Houses of Assembly and other critical stakeholders to accelerate the constitutional and legislative processes required for the establishment of state police.
According to him, “We should stop wasting time on the issue of state police.
“The security challenges facing the country require urgent and practical solutions.
“State police will strengthen intelligence gathering at the grassroots and improve response time to criminal activities.”
Makinde maintained that security had remained one of the major pillars of his administration since assuming office in 2019.
He added that his government would continue to invest heavily in measures aimed at protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
The governor also reassured residents of the state, particularly families of the abducted children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure their safe rescue.
He said his administration would not relent until every victim regains freedom, while urging residents to continue supporting security operatives with credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
Makinde further appreciated the people of Oyo State for their support and cooperation over the last seven years, noting that the relative peace and developmental strides recorded under his administration were made possible through the collective efforts of residents and government institutions.
The governor used the occasion to rally support for the newly unveiled governorship candidate of the APM, Hon. ‘Bimbo Adekanmbi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged the electorate to sustain what he described as the developmental momentum achieved under his administration.
He, however, advised Adekanmbi to provide purposeful leadership driven by vision, inclusiveness and service to the people.
“Leadership should not be built on bitterness or division. You must chart your own course, build relationships across divides and focus on serving the people,” Makinde said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Oyo State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM would produce significant political gains in Oyo State and beyond.
The event also witnessed the presentation and ratification of Hon. Adekanmbi alongside senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates who emerged through consensus arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.