I Stand By My Statement On Gov. Makinde, Fayose Reaffirms (Video)

According to Ireporter Online, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has stood firmly by his controversial remarks linking Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Fayose, who spoke during another interview on EKT TV, said he was aware his earlier comments had generated widespread backlash and debate across political circles, but maintained that he was only expressing what he believes to be the truth. He insisted that, as a former governor, he understands the workings of security management and how such issues are expected to be escalated from the state level to the federal government when necessary.

The former governor reiterated that it is the responsibility of state leaders to promptly escalate security challenges beyond their control to relevant federal authorities for intervention. He also maintained his earlier position that the kidnapping incident, which occurred in Orire Local Government Area, could not be completely separated from political considerations, repeating his claim that it may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Fayose had previously made the allegations during an interview on Channels Television, where he suggested that the timing of the abduction raised suspicion and questioned the possible involvement of the Oyo State government in the incident. He further argued that his comments were not politically motivated but based on his personal assessment of the situation.

During the recent interview, Fayose, speaking in a mix of Yoruba and English, said he had no regrets over his statements about Governor Makinde despite the criticisms that followed. He also dismissed calls from some quarters for the resignation of President Tinubu over the country’s security challenges, insisting that political solutions should be sought through elections rather than public agitation.

He urged Nigerians to express their dissatisfaction through the ballot in 2027 rather than politicising cases of insecurity, adding that governance challenges exist at all levels of government.