“You’re Playing Politics” — Presidency hits Makinde over UN probe demand
The presidency in Nigeria has strongly criticized Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, following his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
According to the federal government, Nigeria’s security agencies have already provided a comprehensive and transparent account of the rescue operation, leaving no basis for an international inquiry.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the governor’s demand as “unwarranted, unnecessary, and politically driven,” asserting that the administration maintains absolute confidence in the nation’s security forces.
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The face-off stems from Governor Makinde’s recent appeal to the United Nations and other international accountability bodies. The governor requested an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction of 39 pupils and six teachers, who were successfully rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.
Makinde argued that an international inquiry would help establish the full facts of the incident and bolster public confidence.
However, the presidency has rejected the move, describing it as an attempt to undermine the credibility of domestic institutions.
Responding to the governor’s remarks, Onanuga stated that the Federal Government has maintained complete transparency throughout every stage of the rescue operation.
While noting that the government would not block international organizations from seeking information, he insisted there is no justification for an external probe.
“Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained,” Onanuga said.
He explained that the rescue was a highly coordinated, intelligence-driven operation designed to ensure the victims were freed safely without unnecessary loss of lives.
Presidency defends 56-day rescue timeline
Addressing questions over why the victims remained in captivity for nearly two months, the presidential spokesman dismissed insinuations that security agencies deliberately delayed the rescue. He described such narratives as insensitive to the sacrifices of the personnel involved.
The presidency also paid tribute to the joint security forces involved in the mission, particularly the Nigerian military and the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
Onanuga revealed that some security operatives paid the ultimate price during the operation, losing their lives to secure the freedom of the abducted teachers and pupils. He argued that their ultimate sacrifice should be met with public gratitude and trust, rather than skepticism.
The federal government went further to link Governor Makinde’s demand to his political aspirations, suggesting his stance is tied to his recently declared presidential ambition.
“It is just unfortunate that Mr. Makinde, maybe because of politics, because he is a presidential candidate now, doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions and is now calling on an external body to come and investigate,” Onanuga added.
Despite the governor’s insistence that independent scrutiny is vital for public reassurance, the Presidency maintains that Nigeria’s security apparatus has proven its competence, resilience, and professionalism through the successful rescue mission.
