By Our Reporter
A Public Commentator, media analyst and National Publicity Secretary of APM, Abubakar Yusuf and leaders of Political Parties has defended Governor Seyi Makinde’s Stance for United Nations probe on Oyo released abducted teachers and pupils.
In a release on Sunday, they referred to the statement credited to former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct ACN now a major constituent of the ruling APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed which called for a probe by the International Criminal Court ,ICC in 2013 against the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, claiming that the killings amounted to crimes against humanity, that was legitimate then as demand for accountability and justice , but not an act of disloyalty to the country.
From 2013 to 2026 , thirteen years after , the same call by an opposition party has been regarded as a disservice yo the nation.
The NPS also insisted that the governors and several stakeholders position is not out of place and does not in any way affects the sovereignty rather than improving the integrity, transparency of the nation and its leadership.
They further said…
“One of the recurring debates in Nigeria is whether political leaders are justified in demanding an independent investigation whenever there are serious allegations arising from security operations during periods of insurgency or internal conflict.”
“Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent call for an independent investigation has attracted criticisms from some quarters, with suggestions that such demands undermines the government or portray the country negatively. However, Nigeria’s own political history shows that this position is neither unusual nor unprecedented.”
“In April 2013, following the Baga killings in Borno State, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the major opposition parties at the time and a principal constituent of today’s APC, publicly held the Jonathan administration responsible for failing to prevent the deaths of civilians. ”
“More significantly, the party described the incident as one that warranted international attention and called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate, arguing that the killings could amount to crimes against humanity. At the time, this was presented as a legitimate demand for accountability and justice rather than an act of disloyalty to Nigeria.”
“This historical context is important because it demonstrates that seeking an independent investigation into serious allegations involving the loss of civilian lives has previously been embraced by many of the same political actors who now oppose similar calls.”
“The principle being advanced then was straightforward: where there are credible allegations of abuse by state institutions, an investigation conducted by a body perceived to be impartial can help establish the truth and strengthen public confidence in the outcome.”
“Governor Makinde’s position follows the same broad principle, calling for an independent investigation does not automatically imply that the government or security agencies are guilty. Neither does it amount to inviting foreign interference for political reasons. ”
“Rather, it reflects the view that when incidents generate significant public concern, transparency and impartial fact-finding are often the best means of resolving competing narratives. If the authorities acted lawfully, an independent investigation would reinforce that conclusion. If mistakes or abuses occurred, it provides a credible basis for accountability.”
“The broader issue is one of consistency, democratic principles should not depend on which political party occupies power. If it was considered acceptable in 2013 to demand an international investigation into allegations against the Jonathan administration, it is difficult to argue that requesting an independent investigation today is inherently improper simply because a different government is in office.”
“Citizens are entitled to question whether the standard being applied is based on principle or on political convenience.”
“Ultimately, independent investigations are not intended to weaken governments; they are intended to strengthen the credibility of public institutions. ”
“Democracies function best when allegations are tested through transparent processes rather than dismissed because of political affiliations. ”
“Whether under Jonathan, Buhari, Tinubu, or any future administration, the standard should remain the same: serious allegations involving the loss of innocent lives deserve a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation.”
