Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has responded to comments made by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose regarding a recent kidnapping incident in the state, saying Fayose needs prayers.
The reaction was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
According to Oyelade, Fayose’s remarks were shocking and unfounded, describing them as an attempt to politicise a sensitive security matter while the state government remains focused on securing the release of abducted victims.
“Nigerians are shocked by Fayose’s comments. He needs prayers. For a former governor to be so consumed by vindictiveness, deceit and hatred that he would make statements capable of jeopardising efforts to rescue those in captivity and distract security agencies from their work is deeply unfortunate,” Oyelade stated.
He added that Governor Makinde was concentrating on addressing the security challenges posed by kidnappers and had no intention of engaging in political exchanges.
Oyelade also referenced previous remarks allegedly made by Fayose concerning the governor and recent security developments in the state, including the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The commissioner urged residents and Nigerians at large to remain calm, assuring them that the government and security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
Fayose, during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, criticised Makinde’s handling of the kidnapping incident and alleged, without providing evidence, that the abduction may have been politically motivated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.
He further suggested that the state government could have played a role in the incident, claims that have since triggered fresh political controversy.
