Defense and Security
2027 Poll: Makinde Tells Voters, Only President Can End Banditry
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lamented his inability to fully tackle the growing wave of kidnappings and abd¥ctions in the state, saying governors lack constitutional control over security agencies despite being referred to as Chief Security Officers.
Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday while accepting the presidential nomination of the African People’s Movement (APM), Makinde said the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and residents in Oyo remains painful.
“Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abd¥cted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State,” Makinde 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 threat.”
Makinde argued that governors should not be blamed for insecurity when they do not control the agencies responsible for tackling it.
“No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” he stated.
The governor promised to reform Nigeria’s security structure if elected president, insisting that states must have greater powers to respond to security threats.
“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 added that decentralisation would be a major part of his security agenda.
“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,” Makinde declared.
Makinde further said, Nigerians are demanding leadership that delivers real results.
“We cannot continue recycling the same approaches while expecting different outcomes. A new direction must emerge, one founded on competence, courage, accountability and compassion,” Makinde added.