HOLD GOVERNORS RESPONSIBLE FOR KIDNAPPINGS, NOT FG

Read Time:1 Minute, 56 Second

By; Sunmola Ganiyat

Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has said state governors and local government chairmen should be held accountable for kidnappings occurring within their jurisdictions, arguing that responsibility for local security and development largely rests with subnational authorities.

Speaking on The Morayo Podcast Show on Wednesday, Bwala maintained that Nigerians should direct questions to governors whenever abductions take place in their states, noting that most kidnapping incidents occur at the local government level.

He cited the Federal Government’s Save the School Initiative, a programme designed to support school security through perimeter fencing and early warning systems, and urged citizens to demand explanations from state governments on how the funds allocated under the scheme were utilised.

According to him, governors should account for resources provided to improve security infrastructure in schools and other public institutions.

Bwala also alleged that many local governments across the country are not receiving funds intended for them, despite substantial monthly allocations.

Using Oyo State as an example, he claimed some local governments receive hundreds of millions of naira monthly and argued that direct access to such funds could significantly improve grassroots development.

He said local authorities would be better positioned to strengthen primary healthcare services, support basic education, enhance community security through vigilante groups and provide welfare programmes for vulnerable residents if the allocations reached them directly.

The presidential aide further criticised what he described as a tendency among Nigerians to rely solely on government intervention, urging citizens to become more active in demanding accountability from elected officials.

Bwala noted that Nigeria’s constitutional framework does not give the President direct control over governors, limiting the Federal Government’s ability to compel state administrations to act.

He contrasted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with past administrations, saying the current government prefers persuasion and democratic engagement rather than coercive measures against state governments.

To address concerns over local governance and public spending, he encouraged citizens to organise town hall meetings, engage the media and consistently demand transparency regarding funds allocated to local councils.

On the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, Bwala said the Federal Government’s primary objective remains securing their safe return.

He stressed that any rescue effort must prioritise the lives of the victims, warning that reckless use of force could put hostages at greater risk.