Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticised those blaming his administration for the recent abduction of schoolchildren in the state, saying similar criticism was directed at former President Goodluck Jonathan during the Chibok girls’ kidnapping.
Makinde made the remarks during a visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, where he reflected on the different reactions that followed both incidents.
The governor recalled that after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, many Nigerians held the Federal Government under Jonathan responsible and mounted international pressure for the girls’ rescue.
He, however, expressed concern that the response to the Oyo abduction had focused largely on blaming the state government.
“It’s unbelievable. When Chibok happened, it was the fault of President Jonathan. They went all over the world asking Jonathan to bring back the children,” Makinde said.
“But when the Oyo State abduction happened, they said it was the irresponsibility of the state governor and the state government.”
Makinde argued that Nigeria’s security framework must clearly define responsibilities and provide the necessary authority to those assigned to handle security matters.
He said governments must review the country’s security architecture to ensure that those given responsibilities also have the powers required to address them effectively.
“We need to look at our architecture and be sure that where you give responsibility, you also give authority to deal with those responsibilities,” he added.
The governor said such reforms would be pursued if Nigerians continue to entrust leadership responsibilities to them.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.