June 12: Aiyedatiwa Declares Ondo Ready for State Police as Oshiomhole Demands Probe of N210 Trillion NNPCL Finances
AKURE, Nigeria — Calls for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture and greater accountability in the oil sector dominated discussions at the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election held in Akure, Ondo State, on Friday.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, declared that the state is fully prepared for the establishment of state police, while former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, defended legislative scrutiny of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over allegations of unaccounted public funds.
Speaking at the June 12 commemoration held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, Aiyedatiwa said Ondo already possesses the operational framework needed for state policing and only awaits federal approval for enhanced equipment and armaments.
“For us in Ondo State, we’ve been ready a long time,” the governor said, noting that the security structure initiated under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has been strengthened by his administration.
Aiyedatiwa argued that insecurity remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democratic development, stressing that citizens cannot fully participate in governance where fear and violence prevail.
The governor highlighted recent investments in the state’s security network, including the recruitment of 500 additional personnel into the Amotekun Corps, pension reforms, and welfare improvements aimed at boosting operational effectiveness.
Oshiomhole Raises Alarm Over NNPCL Audit Queries
In his keynote lecture, Senator Oshiomhole shifted attention to the controversy surrounding the NNPCL, insisting that the National Assembly was justified in scrutinising audit reports alleging about ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds.
He described parliamentary oversight of the national oil company as a constitutional responsibility rather than political persecution.
The former labour leader also defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, arguing that the subsidy regime had become a major source of corruption and economic distortion.
According to Oshiomhole, transparency and accountability in public institutions remain critical to strengthening democratic governance and restoring public trust.
June 12 Legacy and Security Concerns
Both Aiyedatiwa and Oshiomhole used the occasion to reflect on the legacy of the annulled June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
Aiyedatiwa described June 12 as a benchmark for credible elections and urged Nigerians to ensure peaceful participation in the 2027 general elections.
Oshiomhole, meanwhile, praised the late Chief MKO Abiola for his courage and commitment to democracy, describing him as a symbol of national unity who transcended ethnic and religious divisions.
Falae Calls for Continued Defence of Democracy
Elder statesman and former presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae, recounted the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists following the annulment of the 1993 election.
He warned against any return to military rule and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions.
The event attracted senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, labour leaders, civil society groups, and security agencies, all of whom renewed calls for reforms aimed at strengthening governance, security, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
