Re: Between municipal and international jurisdiction: A word of caution to Gov Makinde, by Fatai ADEWUYI

Re: Between municipal and international jurisdiction: A word of caution to Gov Makinde, by Fatai ADEWUYI

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“The protection of Nigerian children is too important to become an instrument of political contestation. I am moved to put this piece down owing to the controversy surrounding the recue of Oriire schools’ abduction victims.”

My piece is actually in reaction to a recent article by Prof Toba Alabi with the above title. Toba Alabi is a Professor of Political Science, Defence and Security Studies. His incisive article is in response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s request for a probe by the United Nations Organization (UNO) of the Orire local government abduction. The Professor in his scholarly and objective writeup condemned in its totality Makinde’s action using legal and international code of conduct to buttress his point.

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For him, Makinde’s call for foreign interference is baseless and lacks jurisdiction, stating that the banditry is localized and as such a Nigerian affair, and that it falls within the Exclusive List of the federal government of Nigeria, which has been appropriately handled by same. So, Makinde has no right as Executive Governor to usurp the role of the federal government by seeking for external aid or assistance.

My own on this matter is that seeking foreign investigation appears to be politically motivated. The safe rescue of the abductees is laudable and commendable. Though he might be alienated from the process, as he doesn’t have control over the military or police, but yet he should be happy when the children and their teachers were released rather than raising doubts and asking for foreign investigation, that to me, sounds political. The lives of the children and the security of the state should concern him much. One would have expected him to liaise with the federal government on the way to prevent reoccurrence of such nasty incident rather than chasing shadow. I want to urge him to take the path of a statesman; he is known to be a a loving and proactive governor.

Alhaji Adewuyi sends this piece via 08130851574.

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