Makinde Links Oyo Kidnappings to Constitutional Limits on Governors’ Security Powers

Governor Seyi Makinde has said Nigeria’s centralised security system has left state governors unable to respond effectively to growing security threats, despite being publicly held accountable for safety within their states.

The governor made the remarks on Saturday in Ibadan while accepting the presidential nomination of the African People’s Movement, using the occasion to highlight what he described as a major flaw in the country’s governance structure.

Referring to recent kidnappings and abductions in Oyo State, Makinde said the continued captivity of innocent citizens, including schoolchildren, underscores the limitations imposed on governors by the Constitution.

“Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State,” he said.

“As Governor of Oyo State, I carry the burden of being called the Chief Security Officer of the state, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies required to fully address these threats.”

According to Makinde, the current arrangement places responsibility on governors without granting them the authority needed to make critical security decisions.

“No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” he stated.

The governor promised that if he becomes president, reforming Nigeria’s security architecture would be among his top priorities.

“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis,” he said.

He stressed that decentralisation of security operations would allow state governments to respond more quickly and effectively to local threats.

“The decentralisation necessary for more effective security management will be prioritised. The safety and security of Nigerians will never be treated as a political slogan. Under my leadership, it will be a sacred national responsibility,” he declared.

Makinde noted that his nomination came at a difficult time for many Nigerians, saying widespread hardship had overshadowed what would ordinarily be a celebratory occasion.

“Ordinarily, this would be a moment purely for celebration,” he said. “However, recent security challenges here in Oyo State and across our nation have transformed this occasion into a moment of deep reflection.”

The governor painted a bleak picture of the country’s socio-economic conditions, citing hunger, insecurity, unemployment, rising transportation costs and uncertainty about the future.

“Nigeria is hurting. Millions of our people are burdened by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future,” he said.

Calling for a new national direction, Makinde argued that the country could no longer rely on old solutions to tackle persistent challenges.

“My answer is simple: Nigeria must reset,” he declared.

“We cannot continue recycling the same approaches while expecting different outcomes. A new direction must emerge, one founded on competence, courage, accountability and compassion.”

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