Former Ekiti State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ayodele Fayose, has blamed the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State on what he described as the failure of Governor Seyi Makinde to act proactively on security.
Fayose made the remarks during an appearance on an Arise News programme on Sunday, where he maintained that the Oyo State Government should bear responsibility for preventing such security breaches.
According to the former governor, Governor Makinde did not do enough to forestall the incident, insisting that state governments have a duty to coordinate with security agencies and strengthen local security structures.
“I stand by my words. Seyi Makinde was not proactive enough,” Fayose said.
He argued that while policing is on the Exclusive Legislative List, state governments are expected to mobilise security agencies and effectively manage the security networks operating within their jurisdictions.
“The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo is a problem caused by Governor Seyi Makinde. It is the responsibility of the state government to mobilise the police. It is also their responsibility to manage the security network in the state,” he stated.
Fayose’s comments come amid public concern over the security situation in Oyo State following the reported kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers.
His remarks have also sparked renewed debate over the extent of state governments’ responsibilities in addressing insecurity despite the constitutional control of the police by the Federal Government.
