The Senate on Tuesday criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the governor should refrain from politicising a painful national tragedy.
The lawmakers made their position known while adopting a motion commending President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the victims after nearly two months in captivity.
The motion, titled “Commendation of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Nigerian Armed Forces; and other security agencies for the successful rescue of abducted school children and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and recognition of the gallant security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation,“ was moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and co-sponsored by all senators.
During deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) introduced an additional prayer asking the Senate to reject Makinde’s call for an international investigation. The proposal was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (APC, Cross River South).
The Senate subsequently urged the Oyo governor to “stop trivialising a very serious and traumatic matter,” insisting that the country’s security institutions had demonstrated professionalism in handling the rescue operation.
Makinde had, in a statewide broadcast on Monday following the handover of the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government, called for an independent investigation by the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies.
According to the governor, the circumstances surrounding the abduction were “sufficiently grave and unusual” and required scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions to establish the truth and restore public confidence.
While distancing itself from that position, the Senate praised the security agencies involved in the rescue mission, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency.
Lawmakers described the operation as a demonstration of “exceptional professionalism, courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.”
The Senate also congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on the successful operation, while praying for the repose of the soul of the teacher who died during the period of captivity.
In honour of security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission, the Upper Chamber observed a minute’s silence for Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.
The lawmakers extended their condolences to the families of the fallen officers, the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, praying for strength and comfort for those they left behind.
The Senate also commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion for his bravery during the operation and urged the relevant authorities to ensure he receives the best available medical care and all benefits due to him.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate called on the Federal Government to immediately pay all statutory death benefits, pensions, insurance claims and other entitlements owed to the families of the deceased security personnel.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to continue strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies through improved welfare, modern equipment, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and logistics.
The Senate further appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely intelligence and cooperating with ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.