Defense and Security
Fayose Defends Tinubu on Security, Alleges Oyo Abductions Could Be Political Blackmail
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s challenges, saying the president “has given his best” despite inheriting a difficult situation from the previous administration.
Speaking on Channels Television, Fayose stated that Tinubu “literally handed over government to himself” by succeeding former President Muhammadu Buhari and chose to “manage the damage done to the country by the last administration” rather than publicly distance himself from his predecessor.
According to Fayose, “the president has shown focus,” adding that some of the criticism currently directed at Tinubu mirrors what former President Goodluck Jonathan faced during his tenure.
Meanwhile, commenting on the recent wave of abductions in Oyo State, Fayose argued that state governments also bear responsibility for security, noting that governors have security votes and local security structures such as Amotekun.
Speaking on the recent abduction in Oyo state he said, “I have strong belief, and I may be wrong, that this sometimes can be orchestrated. I can sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way, I’m not saying totally, by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu in a way.”
He further alleged that the Oyo State government did not act swiftly during the abduction incidents and only became visibly involved after political nomination activities had been concluded.
Fayose, however, acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, describing the abductions as “sad” while maintaining that security challenges should not be blamed solely on the federal government.