The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”
The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.
Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”
The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.
But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”
The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.
It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.
The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.
The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.
The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims