Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has disclosed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde told him President Bola Tinubu had not contacted him even once in the more than 50 days since the abduction of schoolchildren in the state. Obi made the revelation in a statement after visiting Makinde in Ibadan alongside economist Prof. Pat Utomi to express solidarity over the prolonged captivity of the pupils and the broader security crisis in Nigeria.
What Did Makinde Tell Peter Obi?
According to Obi, he had previously spoken publicly about the abduction and appealed to the kidnappers to release the victims. He also said he contacted Makinde on two occasions to offer support before deciding to visit him in person. During the meeting, Obi shared his experience handling security challenges while serving as Anambra State governor. He recalled that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan regularly contacted state governors whenever serious security incidents occurred. “But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi stated.
Why Did Obi Criticize Tinubu?
Obi compared the current situation to the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. He noted that the Chibok incident attracted widespread local and international attention, even though security agencies provided regular updates. Obi recalled that Tinubu was among those who criticized Jonathan at the time for delaying contact with the affected governor. “I vividly recall that the current President, Bola Tinubu, led a team of vocal critics who called for President Jonathan’s immediate resignation over the incident, citing his delay in calling the state governor. That call for IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION should actually be the case in this matter,” Obi said. He argued that Nigeria has witnessed several school abductions under the current administration and described the President’s alleged failure to contact the affected governor as unacceptable.
Obi Calls for Leadership Change
The former presidential candidate said the continued insecurity reflects a failure of leadership and compassion. He maintained that protecting the lives of Nigerians should remain the government’s highest priority and called on the President to either resign or decline to seek another term in office, describing his position as patriotic rather than political. The abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State has drawn national outrage, with many demanding urgent action from the Federal Government. Obi’s visit to Makinde underscores the growing frustration over the handling of security challenges under the Tinubu administration.
Zamfara Governor Claims Knowledge of Bandit Locations
In a related development, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal declared that he has the capacity to end banditry in the state within two months if given direct control over security agencies. He said he knows the precise locations of the bandits terrorizing the state by kidnapping residents and killing indiscriminately. However, Governor Lawal mentioned one thing that is stopping him from arresting the bandits despite knowing their locations.
