On Thursday, Oyo State Governor’ Seyi Makinde announced that his administration will restore the Police Rapid Response Squad (SRS) in the first 100 days of his second term to combat crime.
At the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the governor hosted AIG Sikiru Akande, the new AIG in command of Zone 1I, which comprises Oyo and Osun States.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, stated that the governor congratulated all security services for their work during the state’s last general election, which was the most peaceful in Nigeria.
Governor Makinde praised the security agencies for ensuring peace and order before, during, and after the polls and the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Adebowale Williams and his team for their tireless efforts to protect the state’s citizens.
The governor will engage with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to boost state security.
“It’s your homecoming,” he remarked. I want to thank the Oyo State Police Commissioner and his crew. His 6 a.m. message usually determines my day, and I have had a few nasty occurrences since he joined. The zone must have supported you. So, I commend zone officers and men.
“I also want to applaud the Nigeria Police for their electoral work, especially in Oyo State. No one was chasing me when I voted. The formal announcement was made at 4 p.m. the next day, and all was finished. None of the critical parties sought redress in court. I can only appreciate you and other Oyo State security services for that favourable situation.
“I have had responses from throughout the nation saying this should be the model for electioneering and elections. Everyone worked hard.”
Governor Makinde added, “The coordination among security services in Oyo State has been second to none. Due to agency leaders, they cooperate rather than compete.
I’m so grateful. Oyo State provides a safe and secure environment for education, health, tourism, and other economic activities.
“In 100 days, we revitalised SRS and gave them 100 KIA automobiles —Another mandate from the people. We shall repeat that within 100 days after our second coming on May 29th to chase criminals out of the state.
Hence, the state CID request will be granted. We’ll send the mail ASAP.
“Osogbo to Ibadan should take 45 minutes once we finish mending the road from Iwo road to Osogbo. Our work will escalate. We’ll combine the zone’s two states. If people can travel between Ibadan and Osogbo in 35–40 minutes, policing and coordination between the two states will be easier.”
AIG Akande said the visit was to formally tell the governor of his arrival as AIG Zone 1I and to thank him and the state’s inhabitants for supporting the Nigeria Police.
“I am here this afternoon to formally notify you of my arrival and to thank you greatly for your cooperation and support for the Police in Oyo State, most especially the CP and his staff,” he said.
“You exceeded our expectations and I can say you are a genuine essence of the state’s anthem.”
CP Williams, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, and other Zonal and State command officers accompanied the new AIG.
