Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has drawn criticism from the Senate, senior government officials, legal experts and opposition politicians over his call for the United Nations (UN) and other international bodies to investigate the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Among those who rejected the proposal were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
The Senate described Makinde’s remarks as surprising, saying they undermined the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the sacrifices made by security personnel during the rescue operation.
Lawmakers commended the operation as a major success in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping after adopting a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by all senators.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to expedite the payment of death benefits, pensions and insurance claims to the families of security personnel who died during the operation while calling for enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and improved equipment for security agencies.
UN Has No Jurisdiction – SANs
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, said the governor’s request was inconsistent with the UN Charter, arguing that the organisation has no mandate to investigate domestic security incidents.
Another Senior Advocate, Dr. Wahab Shittu, described the proposal as political, maintaining that the incident did not warrant international intervention.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), also argued that the United Nations lacks jurisdiction to investigate bandit attacks occurring within member states.
Jimoh Ibrahim Urges Focus on Victims
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, urged Makinde to prioritise the rehabilitation of the rescued pupils and teachers instead of seeking an international investigation.
He maintained that internal security remains the responsibility of national and state authorities, noting that the UN does not ordinarily intervene in the domestic affairs of member states.
Akume, Fayose, APC React
SGF George Akume accused the governor of politicising a national security matter, saying the Federal Government concentrated on intelligence-led efforts that resulted in the victims’ rescue rather than public exchanges.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, meanwhile, argued that Makinde’s handling of the incident should itself be scrutinised, suggesting the governor would be required to account for his actions after leaving office.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also criticised the governor’s call, describing it as misguided and accusing him of misunderstanding the role of the United Nations under international law.
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