By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, advised the consensus governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi, to build his own political identity and not inherit his political battles and enemies.
Makinde said this in his remark during the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primary elections of the APM held at Watershed Celebration Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, on Thursday, May 28.
“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,” he said.
The governor also renewed calls for the creation of state police following the abduction of teachers and students from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde said the abduction of the teachers and students during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire LGA, penultimate Friday, makes 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 creation of state police structures rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the Inspector-General of Police.
“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.”
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.”
