Wike Says Governors Should Brief Tinubu First on Security Incidents, Responds to Peter Obi’s Remarks

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said it is the responsibility of state governors to inform President Bola Tinubu about major security incidents in their states, rather than waiting for the President to make the first contact.

Wike made the remarks during a media parley on Thursday, July 9, while responding to comments by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Obi had stated that during a July 3 meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the governor told him that more than 50 days after the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, President Tinubu had not called him. Obi described the situation as a failure of leadership.

Responding, Wike questioned whether Governor Makinde had reached out to the President following the incident. He also criticized Obi, saying he does not take his statements seriously because, in his view, the former presidential candidate tends to politicize issues.

“If the President did not call Seyi, did Seyi call the President to say this is what has happened in my state? If something happens in my state, it is for me to call Mr. President first and say this is the problem. You are the chief security officer of your state, and it is your responsibility to brief the President,” Wike said.

He maintained that governors should promptly communicate security developments to the President as part of their responsibilities in managing crises within their states.