The Lagos State chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has thrown its weight behind Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent investigation into the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The party described opposition to the proposal by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Nigerian Senate and Senator Adams Oshiomhole as suspicious.
In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Kazeem, the party expressed concern over what it described as the “swift opposition” to Makinde’s demand for an independent probe, asking why some political leaders were resisting an investigation aimed at uncovering the truth behind the incident.
According to the APM, any genuine effort to establish the facts surrounding the kidnapping should be welcomed rather than opposed.
“If everyone is genuinely interested in uncovering the truth behind the Oriire school kidnapping, there should be no objection to a transparent, credible and independent investigation.
“Those who have nothing to hide should have nothing to fear from a process designed solely to establish the facts and ensure justice.”
The opposition party argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty would not be undermined by seeking support from international institutions where necessary, noting that the country remains a proud member of the United Nations and can legitimately collaborate with global bodies on issues relating to justice, accountability and human rights.
The party also accused some of Makinde’s critics of inconsistency, recalling that many of the same political figures had, during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, appealed to the international community to intervene in matters relating to insecurity and governance.
“It is therefore difficult to reconcile their current position with their previous advocacy,” the statement said, adding that Nigerians deserved consistency rather than what it described as selective outrage motivated by political considerations.
The APM maintained that attention should be focused on identifying those responsible for the kidnapping, exposing any collaborators, investigating possible security lapses and ensuring that all those found culpable are prosecuted.
Describing itself as the leading opposition party in Lagos State, the APM said the safety of innocent schoolchildren should never become a subject of partisan politics.
The party called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and security agencies to support every lawful effort aimed at uncovering the truth, warning that attempts to discourage calls for an independent investigation could deepen public suspicion and weaken confidence in national institutions.
Beyond the Oriire kidnapping, the APM said the incident underscored the urgent need for far-reaching security reforms, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and constitutional measures that would enable state governments to play more effective roles in protecting lives and property.
The party concluded that the victims deserved justice, their families deserved answers, and Nigerians deserved the truth.
It urged political leaders not to politicise Governor Makinde’s demand for an independent investigation, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and reaffirm that no individual or institution should be beyond scrutiny where the lives of innocent citizens are at stake.
