Seyi Makinde backs political and economic overhaul of Nigeria
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on P.M. News
The governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate Seyi Makinde is advocating a complete overhaul of Nigeria's political and economic system, saying simple reforms are not enough. He proposes, in particular, allowing willing states to create their own police forces if he is elected president, according to P.M. News.
The governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has proposed allowing Nigerian states to create their own police forces subject to oversight mechanisms if he is elected president in 2027. He cited Amotekun, the security system in south-western Nigeria, as an example of a decentralised police force that could operate alongside federal forces.
Seyi Makinde acknowledged the risk that governors could use state police against their political opponents, but believes safeguards could prevent such abuses. He said he first proposed the reform to former president Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 and defended the right of each state to adopt it when it is ready.
On the economy, the APM candidate said the recovery should be assessed based on Nigerians' ability to feed themselves and meet their basic needs rather than solely on inflation figures or foreign exchange reserves. He also advocated greater investment in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and industrial production to create jobs for a growing young population.
Seyi Makinde also defended his decision not to impose a total lockdown in Oyo State during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, saying many residents depended on daily income. He also promised greater transparency and accountability in public administration during an interview with Jay FM in Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday.
