Oyo Abduction: Submit Yourself for Investigation Over N7.7bn Surveillance Aircraft Deal, APC Tells Makinde

Oyo APC criticised Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a UN investigation into the recent abduction, urging him to answer allegations involving major state projects instead.

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations investigation into the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the appeal as “shameful” and “shocking.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, the APC said Makinde should instead submit himself for investigation over several issues, including the alleged N7.7 billion surveillance aircraft deal, diversion of local government funds and other projects executed under his administration.

The opposition party was reacting to Makinde’s remarks on Monday when he received the pupils and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction in May. During the event, the governor called on the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The APC, however, argued that the governor was not in a position to demand an external investigation while questions remained over the handling of several state matters.

According to the party, Makinde should explain issues relating to the alleged diversion of local government funds, the killings in Igangan, the surveillance aircraft project, the fire-fighting truck procurement, the N50 billion Bodija explosion relief fund, the Agbowo Shopping Complex contract, the Ibadan Airport and stadium upgrades, as well as other financial transactions.

The party further claimed that Oyo State has witnessed an increase in insecurity since Makinde assumed office in 2019, describing the state as the worst affected in Southern Nigeria by banditry and related crimes.

Sadare alleged that the governor had continued to politicise matters affecting the welfare and security of residents instead of addressing underlying challenges.

While acknowledging that Nigeria has faced widespread security threats in recent years, the APC maintained that the situation in Oyo State required greater accountability from the state government.

The party insisted that if any investigation was to be conducted, the governor should first make himself available to answer questions on the various allegations raised against his administration before seeking international intervention over the recent abduction.