APC Knocks Makinde Over Insecurity, Demands Resignation

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his comments on the security situation in the state, accusing him of failing in his responsibility to protect lives and property.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the opposition party faulted Makinde’s claim that his administration is constrained in tackling insecurity because security agencies are under the control of the Federal Government.

The APC described the governor’s remarks as an indication of “cluelessness, insincerity and criminal ineptitude,” insisting that he cannot absolve himself of responsibility for the security challenges confronting residents of Oyo State.

According to the party, governors remain the chief security officers of their states and are expected to provide leadership, coordination and support to security agencies in addressing threats to public safety.

The statement further alleged that Makinde’s comments amounted to an attempt to shift responsibility for the worsening security situation in the state to the Federal Government.

The party also called on the governor to resign from office if he believes he lacks the authority or capacity to effectively address insecurity. It suggested that the deputy governor should be allowed to complete the remaining tenure of the administration.

“Parochial leaders like Makinde pose a grave danger to the growth and development of Nigerian society, and it is important for the electorate to avoid them in future elections,” the APC stated.

The reaction followed remarks attributed to Makinde during his acceptance speech as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday. The governor reportedly lamented that there was little he could do to rescue kidnapped schoolchildren and other victims because of his limited control over security agencies.

Makinde had maintained that governors do not exercise absolute authority over the nation’s security architecture, a position strongly rejected by the APC as it renewed calls for greater accountability in tackling insecurity across Oyo State.