Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, a renowned political scholar and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, has commended the Oyo State Government's Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. As a member of the commission, Ibrahim emphasized that the inquiry is crucial in investigating the causes of the incident and finding solutions to the growing threat of abductions nationwide. The commission's findings have revealed that insecurity has become a national crisis, with attacks on educational institutions spreading across the country.
The Oriire incident has demonstrated that terrorism and banditry are no longer confined to specific regions, according to Ibrahim. The commission's investigation has uncovered important lessons about the trajectory of insecurity in Nigeria, including the ability of terrorists and bandits to operate in forests and difficult terrains. Ibrahim noted that terrorism has become extremely capable, with a high level of capacity and capability in carrying out nefarious activities. The commission's findings serve as a source of concern for the entire country, requiring a coordinated response from federal, state, and local governments, as well as communities.
Ibrahim commended the composition of the commission, describing it as balanced and made up of members with strong professional expertise. During its investigation, the commission interviewed 72 witnesses, providing a fascinating and insightful process. However, some federal agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Office of the National Security Adviser, did not participate in the proceedings despite invitations. Ibrahim emphasized that the commission did not limit its approach to examining what security agencies could do, but also considered the roles of state, local governments, communities, hunters, and vigilante groups.
The professor expressed optimism about Governor Seyi Makinde's presidential bid, citing his proven trajectory of performance as a two-term governor. Ibrahim believes that Makinde's emergence as a presidential candidate is a big boost for democracy. He also noted that the emergence of another politician from the same ethnic group, but belonging to another political party, should not be considered a problem. Instead, Ibrahim raised a tactical question about when opposition candidates might coalesce behind one of them to enhance their chances of replacing the incumbent.
Ibrahim discussed the ongoing presidential campaign, stating that President Tinubu is not representing the Yoruba ethnic group but rather exercising his power as an individual who joined a political party and was voted into office. He expressed optimism that an opposition consensus could still emerge before the 2027 elections, citing a recent communique by the G100 group. This group proposed an approach towards achieving consensus ahead of the polls, which Ibrahim believes could enhance the opposition's chances of producing the next president.
The professor stressed the importance of ensuring that the 2027 elections are free and fair. He emphasized that the challenge of terrorism and banditry requires a coordinated response involving federal, state, and local governments, as well as communities. Ibrahim's comments highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria. The commission's investigation has provided valuable insights into the causes of the Oriire incident and the growing threat of abductions nationwide.
The Oyo State Government's Judicial Commission of Inquiry has provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and insights into the incident. Ibrahim's comments on the presidential campaign and the emergence of Governor Makinde as a presidential candidate have sparked discussions about the future of Nigerian politics. As the country prepares for the 2027 elections, Ibrahim's optimism about an opposition consensus and the importance of free and fair elections will continue to be relevant.
Key points
- Professor Jibrin Ibrahim commends Oyo's judicial commission of inquiry into school abduction as an imperative initiative.
- Ibrahim expresses optimism about Governor Seyi Makinde's presidential bid, citing his proven performance as a two-term governor.
- The professor stresses the importance of ensuring that the 2027 elections are free and fair to enhance the opposition's chances of producing the next president.
