On Fayose’s allegation against Makinde

FORMER Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has every right to criticise Governor Seyi Makinde’s handling of insecurity in Oyo State. In a democracy, governors are accountable to citizens, and opposition voices serve an important role in questioning those who wield power. Democratic politics requires scrutiny of those who hold public office, particularly when citizens have been kidnapped, communities terrorised, and families left waiting for answers. But criticism is one thing. Alleging, directly or indirectly, that a sitting governor orchestrated a terrorist attack against his own citizens is another thing entirely. That is why Mr. Fayose’s recent comments on a national television programme – Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye of the Channels TV, regarding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, must be regarded as reckless unless supported by credible evidence. The allegation is too serious to be left hanging in the air as political rhetoric.

Words matter. Allegations matter. And allegations involving terrorism matter most of all. If a sitting governor had prior knowledge of a terrorist operation against his own citizens, the implications would be staggering. It would amount not merely to political failure, but to complicity in a grave crime. Such conduct would represent a profound betrayal of public trust and potentially criminal wrongdoing. It would constitute one of the most serious accusations that can be made against a public official in a constitutional democracy. That is why Mr. Fayose cannot simply make the claim and move on. He bears the burden of proof. If he possesses evidence, he should present it to the relevant security agencies and, where appropriate, to the Nigerian public. Mr. Fayose therefore has an obligation to do more than raise suspicion. He must provide proof. If he lacks such evidence, then he should withdraw the allegation that risks inflaming an already painful security crisis. If he does not possess such evidence, then he should exercise the restraint that public discourse on matters of national security demands.

To be clear, history teaches that political office does not place individuals beyond suspicion. Around the world, and indeed within Nigeria, public officials have at various times faced allegations of links to criminal or terrorist activities. Politics can be ruthless. As the saying goes, nothing is entirely off the table. Yet the existence of such possibilities makes evidence more important, not less. We at the Nigerian Tribune believe that extraordinary allegations require extraordinary proof. The tragedy in Oriire deserves better than conjecture. Forty-six schoolchildren and teachers were abducted. One hostage reportedly died in captivity. Families have endured weeks of uncertainty and anguish. Communities have been traumatised. These are not abstract political talking points; they are human lives. The more pressing question is not whether Governor Makinde secretly knew about the attack. The more immediate question is whether enough is being done to secure the release of those still in captivity and to prevent future attacks. On that score, legitimate questions remain.

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The Oyo State House of Assembly has reportedly ruled out the payment of ransom. While governments are understandably reluctant to legitimise kidnapping as a business model, such decisions inevitably raise concerns among affected families who desperately seek the safe return of their loved ones. The public deserves greater clarity about the strategy being pursued and the progress being made. Citizens are also entitled to ask whether enough urgency has been demonstrated by those entrusted with the responsibility of leadership. The kidnapping of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not an ordinary criminal incident. It is a direct assault on public safety, education, and the authority of the state. Many citizens have therefore questioned whether government at both the state and regional levels has responded with sufficient visibility and urgency. At a time when schoolchildren remained in captivity and communities were gripped by fear, some expected political leaders to place security concerns above ceremonial engagements and public celebrations. Public appearances at festivals and other festivities, however culturally significant, inevitably invite scrutiny when a major security crisis remains unresolved.

Questions may also be asked about the broader response of South-West political leadership. Security threats do not respect state boundaries. An attack in Oriire is not merely an Oyo problem; it is a South-West problem and, ultimately, a Nigerian problem. Many citizens expected a stronger collective voice from governors across the region in solidarity with the victims and in determination to confront a threat that increasingly challenges the security of the entire South-West. These are fair subjects for public debate. What is not fair is to imply gubernatorial involvement in terrorism without evidence.

Nigeria’s security crisis is already burdened by fear, mistrust, rumours and misinformation. Responsible leadership requires that public figures help illuminate the truth rather than deepen uncertainty. Given the gravity of the allegation and the potentiality to cause chaos in Oyo State if left unaddressed, we urge the Inspector General of Police to invite the former governor for questioning. The victims of Oriire deserve justice. Their families deserve answers. The public deserves facts. And allegations of this magnitude deserve proof.