The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over what it described as his “unguarded statements” concerning the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The development came as lawmakers reaffirmed their confidence in President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation.
Key Highlights
- Senate cautions Makinde over comments on Oriire schoolchildren rescue.
- Senator Adams Oshiomhole describes the governor’s remarks as “unstatesmanlike.”
- Lawmakers commend President Tinubu, the Armed Forces and security agencies for the successful rescue.
- Senate says questioning the rescue operation undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty.
- Security personnel who lost their lives during the operation honoured.
- Senate urges public office holders to exercise restraint on national security issues.
The Senate’s position followed an additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during plenary while lawmakers considered a motion commending President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers. The motion also recognised security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation.
Speaking during the debate, Oshiomhole criticised Governor Makinde’s reported call on the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the abduction and the rescue of the victims.
The former Edo State governor described Makinde’s comments as “most unstatesmanlike,” arguing that the governor had taken partisan politics too far.
According to Oshiomhole, any suggestion that there was something suspicious about the abduction or the rescue operation amounted to questioning Nigeria’s sovereignty and diminishing the achievements recorded by the Tinubu administration in the fight against insecurity.
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He maintained that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies deserved commendation for their professionalism, courage and sacrifice in securing the freedom of the victims.
Oshiomhole further urged political office holders and public officials to exercise restraint and responsibility when making public statements on matters relating to national security, stressing that such comments could undermine public confidence in security institutions.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted Oshiomhole’s proposal as an additional prayer to the motion, officially endorsing the caution issued to Governor Makinde while reaffirming its support for the security agencies’ efforts in tackling insecurity across the country.
