Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says he set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to prove his administration had no hand in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Ori Ire communities.
He inaugurated the panel on Friday, days after allegations emerged that he sponsored the kidnap in Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap,” the governor stated. “I set up this independent commission to establish the facts and clear my name.”
He said the inquiry was not to undermine security agencies, but to answer questions and ensure lessons are learnt.
Makinde described the attack as “an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety.”
According to him, while the victims were eventually rescued, government’s responsibility extended beyond securing their freedom.
“Rescue brings relief. But truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence,” he said.
Makinde charged the commission to establish the facts of the abduction, identify institutional or operational lapses, and recommend measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities to prevent a recurrence.
“The assignment is clear, to establish the facts, identify any lapses, and help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” he said.
The panel has four weeks to submit its report, which may be extended based on request in order to give room for thorough job.
He assured the commission of government’s full support to operate independently and professionally.
He spoke on his personal experience, saying: “My own father taught in 1959. Let’s just assume that he got kidnapped and he was beheaded. I would never have been born. That is why we must get to the root of this.”
He urged members to conduct their work with impartiality, professionalism and strict adherence to the law.
“Your work must be guided only by the evidence, the law and the public interest. Nigerians expect nothing less than an impartial, thorough and credible process,” Makinde added.
The Chairman, Prof. Owoade, assured that the inquiry would be guided by facts and evidence.
“Nigerians should expect truth and nothing but the truth. We have people of great experience and the highest integrity on this panel. In unravelling the truth, there will be no disappointments,” he said.
He added that the commission would seek an extension if the one-month timeline proves inadequate