A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Taminu Turaki has called for state governors to assume full operational control of security agencies, including the police and military, to better protect citizens.
Mr Turaki, chairman of the party’s interim national working committee, made the remarks on Monday in Ibadan during a condolence visit to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. The visit followed the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Describing the current security architecture as inadequate, Turaki urged the federal government to undertake urgent reforms.
“It is contradictory for a governor to be referred to as the Chief Security Officer of a state while having no direct control over the security agencies operating within that state,” he said.
The PDP interim chairman explained that delays caused by security officials seeking clearance from Abuja often exacerbate crises.
“You cannot imagine a situation where a governor convenes a security council meeting, decisions are taken, and yet the Commissioner of Police or military commanders must still seek clearance from Abuja before acting. By the time approvals are obtained, significant damage may already have been done,” he said.
He argued that security agencies should be empowered to take directives directly from state governors.
“We believe that if this is properly implemented, many of these unfortunate incidents can be prevented across the country,” Turaki added.
Commiserating with the government and people of Oyo State, the PDP acknowledged Governor Makinde’s efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“We are aware of the efforts His Excellency has consistently made to ensure the safety of the people of Oyo State. Seeing incidents like this happen, despite the enormous resources the governor has committed to security, is deeply concerning, especially as the election period approaches,” Turaki said.
He further stated that the party delegation came to encourage and strengthen the governor, and to reassure residents of Oyo State that “this difficult moment shall pass by the grace of God.”
Turaki called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and security-conscious, urging them to pay attention to their surroundings, share information, and support security agencies.
Suspected bandits invaded the Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire LGA on 16 May, abducting seven students, 18 pupils and seven teachers.
