The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over what it described as his “unguarded statements” on the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The caution followed an additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the consideration of a motion commending President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers, as well as recognising the gallant security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in the operation.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Oshiomhole criticised Governor Makinde’s reported call on the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue of the victims.
He described the governor’s remarks as “most unstatesmanlike,” saying Makinde took partisan politics too far.
According to Oshiomhole, suggesting that there was anything suspicious about the abduction as well as the rescue operation, amounted to questioning Nigeria’s sovereignty and downplaying the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in tackling insecurity.
He maintained that the security agencies deserve commendation for their professionalism and sacrifice, and urged public office holders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public comments on issues relating to national security.
Oshiomhole’s proposal was subsequently presented as an additional prayer to the motion and was adopted by the Senate.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
