Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication Daniel Bwala has said governors and local government chairmen, not the Federal Government, should be held accountable for kidnappings occurring in their states.
Speaking on The Morayo Afolabi-Brown Show, Bwala said every kidnapping takes place within a local government and urged Nigerians to demand accountability from state and local authorities. He cited the Federal Government’s Save the School Initiative, which provided states with funds for perimeter fencing, early warning systems and other school security measures, challenging governors to explain how the funds were spent.
Bwala also alleged that local governments are not receiving funds meant for them directly, claiming some councils in Oyo State are entitled to about ₦600 million monthly. He argued that direct access to the funds would improve healthcare, basic education, local vigilante security and welfare services.
He said Nigeria’s Constitution does not give the President authority to compel governors, adding that President Bola Tinubu can only persuade them. Bwala urged citizens to organise town hall meetings and use the media to demand accountability.
Addressing the abduction of Oyo schoolchildren and teachers held for more than 50 days, he said the government’s priority is to secure their safe release, warning that careless use of force could endanger the hostages’ lives.
