The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his comments on insecurity in the state, accusing him of failing to take responsibility and misunderstanding the role of a governor in addressing security challenges.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 31, the party’s spokesman, Olawale Sadare, faulted Makinde’s remarks that his administration was limited in tackling insecurity because security agencies are controlled by the Federal Government.
The opposition party described the governor’s position as an attempt to avoid responsibility at a time residents are facing rising security concerns.
Sadare argued that governors are constitutionally expected to play active roles in coordinating security efforts within their states and should not distance themselves from the challenge.
He described Makinde’s comments as “a height of cluelessness, insincerity and criminal ineptitude,” insisting that the governor should stop shifting blame over insecurity in Oyo State.
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The APC further called on Makinde to resign from office and allow his deputy to complete the remainder of his tenure.
“Parochial leaders like Makinde pose a grave danger to the growth and development of the Nigerian society, and it is important for the electorate to avoid them in future elections,” the statement said.
The reaction followed comments made by Makinde on Saturday in Ibadan during his acceptance speech as presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), where he lamented the limitations faced by state governments in responding to insecurity.
The governor had said there was little he could do to directly rescue abducted schoolchildren and other victims of kidnapping in the state because he lacks full control over security agencies operating within Oyo.
His remarks came against the backdrop of recent abductions in parts of Oyo State, including attacks involving schoolchildren and residents, which have heightened anxiety over public safety.