A security policy expert and political analyst, Dr Akeem Bello, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations investigation into the Oriire school abduction, describing the request as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Bello, who spoke during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Tuesday, said there was no evidence to justify the governor’s appeal for an international probe after security agencies successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers.
“As far as I’m concerned, what the governor said is unnecessary, uncalled for and completely political. If you look at the management of that abduction, there is no basis for such. The governor should keep quiet,” Bello said.
Makinde had on Monday urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the May 15 abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the circumstances surrounding the incident as grave enough to require scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
But Bello questioned the governor’s rationale, asking what intelligence or security report informed the call.
“What is he acting on? Is it a report from the DSS, the police or somewhere else? The governor should explain why he is making such insinuations,” he said.
The security expert also defended the efforts of Nigerian security agencies, arguing that the successful rescue operation deserved commendation rather than public criticism.
“I want the governor to explain why he is denigrating the image and effort of Nigerian security agencies in the international community. There is no basis for that,” Bello stated.
He added that while citizens were free to seek independent investigations, public officials owed Nigerians a clear explanation before inviting international intervention in matters involving national security.
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Headline Option 2
Oriire Abduction: Makinde’s UN Probe Call Political, Unnecessary, Says Security Expert
A security policy expert and political analyst, Dr Akeem Bello, has faulted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations investigation into the Oriire school abduction, saying the appeal was politically motivated and lacked justification.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Bello argued that there was no basis to associate the abduction with Makinde’s 2027 presidential ambition or to seek international intervention after the victims had been rescued.
“That call is not bad, but it’s unnecessary. The motive behind the call is my challenge, not the call itself,” Bello said.
Makinde had appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting the circumstances surrounding the incident warranted an independent probe.
However, Bello maintained that the governor had not presented any intelligence or security report to support such a request.
“What are his reasons for such insinuation? Is he now saying that because he is contesting for president, the Federal Government caused trouble in his state?” Bello asked.
He further argued that the governor’s position could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, insisting security personnel should be supported despite operational challenges.
“Within their little effort, we should recognise them. We should not denigrate them or rubbish their efforts,” he said.
Bello also dismissed claims linking the abduction to Makinde’s presidential ambition, saying, “Kidnapping happening two days after someone declared for presidency is completely nonsense. Making a connection between the two makes no sense.”
He urged political leaders to avoid politicising security issues and instead focus on strengthening mechanisms to prevent future attacks.
