Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the APM running mate in the 2027 presidential election, has spoken about his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Oriire kidnapping.
Makinde made the revelation in an exclusive interview with Ojy Okpe of ARISE News on Friday, 13 November. He said President Tinubu never reached out to him about the abduction of 46 victims by gunmen in Oriire, Oyo State, on 15 May.
Okpe asked the governor when he last saw the president. Makinde said he had not seen Tinubu since the incident, although he tried to meet him. He said he expected the president to call because he believes the president should take an interest whenever any part of Nigeria faces a crisis. 
“I tried to see the president when our students and our children and their teachers were kidnapped because I thought if any part of Nigeria is going through such a challenge, that means the president should be interested actually I expected the president to call me.”
Makinde Says Even the State Chief of Protocol to Tinubu Ignored His Calls
Okpe asked whether the president ever called him. Makinde said he received no call from Tinubu. He also said he tried to reach the state chief of protocol, Victor Adeleke, who also did not pick up.
He said, “No, he didn’t call me, till tomorrow. The president hasn’t called me. I made an attempt; I called the state chief of protocol, he didn’t pick.”
READ ALSO: Davido Explains Why He Wore Jacket with Names of Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers
How the Oriire Kidnapping Unfolded
Armed bandits stormed three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State: Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School, Ogbomoso.
The attackers abducted 46 people, including pupils as young as two, teachers and a school principal. The kidnappers beheaded a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun. The captives regained their freedom on 10 July, after 56 days in captivity.
Nigerians React to Makinde’s Interview
Nigerians on social media quickly reacted to the interview.
@tony-god-sent tweeted that “ Tinubu is not interested in the affairs of Nigeria. He just wants to be president.” @gk_rocky added that “ Shey una dey see una president? Is Tinubu not the one that is even supposed to be calling the governor for direct situational reports?”
@ManagersShow said, “I am sure he is saying the truth because Tinubu doesn’t care about anyone except those that will help him rig election”.
@jonatex4u said, “A governor can’t reach a president in times of crisis. This country is gone.”
@Abum0nyeIgbo tweeted that “Tinubu’s ego is more important to him than those kidnapped kids! Mindset of little men!!”
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