Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the constitutional structure placing security agencies under federal control has limited his ability to effectively tackle kidnappings and abductions in the state.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Makinde said that although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they lack direct constitutional control over security agencies needed to respond decisively to threats.
The governor spoke on Saturday in Ibadan, while accepting the African Peoples Movement (APM) presidential nomination.
Makinde lamented the continued captivity of schoolchildren and other residents abducted by criminal elements in Oyo State.
He stated, “Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State.
“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.”
He argued that no governor should be held responsible for security failures without having the authority to act.
“No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” Makinde stated.
Makinde said the current security arrangement required urgent constitutional reforms.
He pledged that, if elected President, he would prioritise restructuring Nigeria’s security system to give states greater capacity to respond to 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.
The governor added that decentralisation would be central to 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. Under my leadership, it will be a sacred national responsibility,” he declared.
Makinde said his presidential nomination came at a time of deep national concern, not celebration.
“Ordinarily, this would be a moment purely for celebration. It marks the first step in seeking a mandate that can help actualise the Nigerian dream. However, recent security challenges here in Oyo State and across our nation have transformed this occasion into a moment of deep reflection,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians are battling hunger, insecurity, high transportation costs, unemployment and uncertainty.
“Nigeria is hurting. Millions of our people are burdened by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future,” Makinde said.
‘Nigeria Must Reset’ – Makinde
The governor said citizens were asking when leadership would begin to work for ordinary Nigerians.
“Across the country, Nigerians are asking the same question: When will leadership truly begin to work for the ordinary citizen? They are asking: When will the Nigerian dream become a reality?” he said.
Makinde said the country needed a new direction anchored on competence, courage, accountability and compassion.
He declared, “My answer is simple: Nigeria must reset.
“We cannot continue recycling the same approaches while expecting different outcomes. A new direction must emerge, one founded on competence, courage, accountability and compassion.”