The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations (UN) investigation into the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as shameful and surprising.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, the APC said the governor’s remarks were unexpected and accused him of politicising security issues.
The reaction followed Makinde’s appeal to the United Nations and other international accountability bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in May and rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.
Responding to the governor’s position, the APC argued that instead of calling for an international investigation, Makinde should be prepared to answer questions over several issues affecting his administration.
The opposition party urged the governor to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to the diversion of local government funds, the killings in Igangan, the ₦7.7 billion surveillance aircraft project, the Bodija explosion relief fund, the Agbowo Shopping Complex contract, the Ibadan Airport and stadium upgrade projects, loan-related matters and other issues.
According to the party, the recent kidnapping reflects broader security challenges facing the state and should not be used to score political points.
“Nigeria has been battling banditry and related crimes in recent times, and this could be attributed to a number of factors. But most people are worried that Oyo State has emerged as the worst hit in the southern part of the country since 2019 when Governor Makinde came on board.
“Meanwhile, events in the last two months have provided answers to many questions being raised in that regard. Oyo State has a governor who plays politics with everything, including the welfare and security of the masses,” the statement said.
The APC further maintained that if the governor believes an investigation is necessary, he should also be willing to account for the allegations levelled against his administration.
Makinde had earlier called for an independent international investigation, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the Oriire school abduction were sufficiently serious to require scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
His proposal has continued to generate mixed reactions, with supporters describing it as a step towards transparency and accountability, while critics insist existing Nigerian institutions are capable of handling the matter.
