The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations investigation into the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the appeal as “shameful” and “shocking.”
Instead of seeking an international investigation, the opposition party urged the governor to submit himself to investigation over what it described as several unresolved issues, including the alleged diversion of local government funds, the N7.7 billion surveillance aircraft deal and other controversial government transactions.
The APC made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare.
Governor Makinde had, on Monday, while receiving the rescued pupils and teachers who regained freedom after weeks in captivity, called on the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
Reacting, the APC said the governor’s demand was misplaced, arguing that he should first account for alleged governance failures and controversies under his administration.
The party listed issues it believes warrant investigation, including the alleged diversion of local government funds, the abduction and killings of residents of Igangan, the N7.7 billion surveillance aircraft project, the alleged fire-fighting truck procurement scandal, the N50 billion Bodija explosion relief fund, the Agbowo Shopping Complex contract, the Ibadan Airport and stadium upgrade projects, alleged loan scandals and other matters.
According to Sadare, Makinde’s call for an external investigation was unexpected of a sitting governor, particularly in light of what the party described as unresolved issues within the state.
“Nigeria has been battling banditry and other violent crimes in recent years, and this can be attributed to several factors. However, many Nigerians are concerned that Oyo State has become the worst-hit state in Southern Nigeria since Governor Makinde assumed office in 2019.
“The events of the last two months have answered many of the questions people have been asking. Oyo State has a governor who plays politics with virtually everything, including the welfare and security of the people.
“If Governor Makinde insists on calling for an investigation, then he should be courageous enough to submit himself for investigation over the alleged diversion of local government funds, the abduction and killings in Igangan, the N7.7 billion surveillance aircraft deal, the fire-fighting truck procurement, the possession of lethal weapons by Mukaila Auxiliary, the N50 billion Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, the Agbowo Shopping Complex contract, the Ibadan Airport and stadium upgrade projects, loan scandals and other issues,” the statement read.
The APC maintained that accountability should begin with public office holders, insisting that the governor owes residents explanations on several projects and expenditures before calling for international intervention over the Oriire abduction.
