Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the state government of using the disbursement of N20,000 palliatives to workers and other beneficiaries as a strategy to influence voters ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Wednesday, the APC Campaign Council described the payments as an alleged vote-buying scheme, insisting that the exercise was politically motivated rather than a genuine welfare initiative.

Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde of the State would have sold Nigeria and other national assets if he were to be in the present condition of President Bola Tinubu.

APC while comparing Makinde with Tinubu, noted that the difference between the duo is like the difference between the heaven and the earth.

APC made the allegation while responding to a recent remark made by the governor on Tinubu’s economic policies.

Makinde, who spoke, through a representative, on Monday during the unveiling of Ogun state candidates of Allied People’s Movement, APM, ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abeokuta, had expressed his readiness to defeat Tinubu in 2027.

But, the APC while reacting, disclosed that Nigeria was lucky not to have elected somebody like Makinde in 2023.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, he explained that no amount of criticisms will make Nigerians to choose someone like Makinde whom he said has failed the people of the State.

He alleged that Makinde has transferred all assets of the State to the wrong hands in exchange for cash in seven years.

“Gov. Makinde can afford to condemn the bold and courageous steps taken by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 as he is wont to playing to the gallery but all the informed minds and reputable global institutions cannot be wrong in their overwhelming applause to the President who has not only saved Nigeria from imminent collapse and extinction but also working tirelessly to place the country in its rightful place among the comity of nations.

“A Makinde who has transferred virtually all the assets of Oyo state to the wrong hands in exchange for cash in seven years would have sold Rivers Niger and Benue as well as the nation’s portion of the Atlantic Ocean if he had the opportunity. To this end, Nigerians will never make the mistake of trusting him with their mandate,” he alleged.

The Bauchi State Police Command has launched a statewide enforcement operation targeting motorists and other road users who violate traffic regulations, warning that offenders will be prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who announced the development, said the exercise followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at improving compliance with traffic laws across the country.

Aliyu said the command had observed increasing violations of traffic rules in Bauchi metropolis and along major highways, which he said had contributed to congestion, road crashes, and risks to public safety.

He said the enforcement campaign would apply to all categories of road users, including commercial drivers, tricycle operators, motorcyclists, horse riders, and private motorists.

According to him, vehicles found violating traffic regulations will be impounded, while offenders will be arraigned in court.

The police commissioner also warned that officers of the Nigeria Police Force would not be exempted from the operation.

He said any serving police personnel caught breaching traffic regulations would face disciplinary measures in accordance with police regulations.

Aliyu said the command remained committed to ensuring orderliness on the roads, protecting lives and property, and promoting safer road use across the state.

He urged residents to cooperate with officers participating in the exercise and encouraged members of the public to report reckless driving and other traffic offences at the nearest police station.

The command said the enforcement operation had taken effect immediately.

Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called for stronger measures to tackle insecurity following renewed attacks by armed groups in parts of Sokoto State.

Tambuwal made the call in a statement issued by his media office, expressing concern over recent attacks in Kebbe, Shagari and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas, where armed men reportedly killed residents, abducted others, rustled livestock and displaced several families.

He also mourned Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Hussaini Balarabe, who was reportedly killed during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Kebbe Local Government Area while on duty.

Tambuwal described the officer’s death as a reflection of the sacrifices being made by security personnel in the fight against insecurity, extending condolences to his family, the Nigeria Police Force and the people of Kebbe Local Government Area.

The former governor also sympathised with residents of Shagari and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas over the recent attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling, stressing that affected communities deserve improved security and support.

According to him, the persistent insecurity in Sokoto and other parts of the North-West continues to threaten public safety, agricultural production, commercial activities and the livelihoods of rural communities.

Tambuwal commended the efforts of the military, police and other security agencies, but urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, rapid response capabilities and coordinated security operations in vulnerable communities.

He also called for intensified efforts to rescue victims still in captivity and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.

Tambuwal appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support security agencies with credible information, noting that tackling banditry and other forms of violent crime requires collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens.

He prayed for those killed in the attacks, wished the injured a speedy recovery and called for the safe return of abducted victims, while urging authorities to sustain efforts to improve security across affected communities.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Dr Lasisi Taiwo Abideen as the substantive Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The governor also named Dr Olajide Taiwo Sherifat as the institution’s Registrar, Mr Adegbola Abiodun Kolawole as Bursar, while Mr Osunrinade Olukunle Akinbola was appointed Librarian.

The appointments were conveyed in a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, following the governor’s approval.

According to the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, the selection process strictly adhered to established guidelines governing the appointment of principal officers in state-owned tertiary institutions.

Adelabu explained that the exercise began with the publication of vacancies in national newspapers, after which qualified candidates underwent screening and interviews conducted by the institution’s Governing Council, chaired by Professor Lanre Nassar.

He disclosed that the appointments took effect from July 31, 2026, with each of the newly appointed principal officers expected to serve a single five-year tenure.

The education commissioner congratulated the appointees and charged them to provide visionary leadership that would strengthen academic standards, foster institutional stability, and drive the continued development of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The appointments also bring to an end the prolonged period during which the institution’s principal leadership positions were held in acting capacities.