The Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his comments following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the President’s priority was the safe rescue of the victims rather than making telephone calls.
Akume stated that President Bola Tinubu focused on intelligence-led security operations that eventually secured the release of the abducted teachers and pupils after 56 days in captivity.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving members of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development, led by its President, Peter Bassey, the SGF said issues of national security should not be politicised.
“We live in a society where everything is politicised. Yes, we inherited difficult situations, but we are improving by the day,” Akume said.
“The President has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. His strategy ensured the release of our dear ones who were held captive by these criminals.”
His remarks came after Governor Makinde expressed disappointment that President Tinubu had not personally called him following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor had also called for a United Nations-backed investigation into the incident while assuming responsibility for the rehabilitation, welfare and education of the rescued victims.
Responding to the governor’s concerns, Akume questioned the importance attached to a telephone conversation.
“When the noise was rife that the President didn’t place a phone call to someone, it doesn’t make sense. Would a telephone call have resolved the case? Would those held captive have been released? No,” he said.
“It is the strategy being used to ensure the safety of those held in captivity that should be paramount. We should be interested in the release of these children and others, not in a telephone call.”
The SGF described President Tinubu as a leader who allows his actions to speak for him.
“Asiwaju is a doer, not just a talker. His leadership is defined by action and results. Nigerians wanted to see the safe return of those innocent children, and today they have been rescued through the strategic efforts of our security agencies under the President’s leadership. That is what matters,” Akume said.
He maintained that the successful rescue operation reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity through carefully coordinated intelligence operations rather than political rhetoric.
“The President remains focused on restoring peace across the country, protecting lives and creating an environment where Nigerians can pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear,” he added.
Akume also commended the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development for promoting religious tolerance and national unity.
“I am particularly impressed that you have chosen unity over division. Whether one is a Christian or a Muslim is not the issue; what matters is that we are Nigerians united by a common destiny. Your association demonstrates that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but essential for national progress,” he said.
Earlier, the association’s President, Peter Bassey, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the group’s relationship with the SGF’s office.
“We have come to strengthen our relationship with you because we believe in your leadership. We have followed your record in public service and are convinced of your commitment to serving the nation,” Bassey said.
