Makinde To Tinubu: Bring Back Kidnapped NYSC Members, Others In Captivity

The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organization (MDPCO) has demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu live up to his billing as Commander-in-Chief and secure the release of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State on Independence Day.

The campaign also demanded decisive action to secure the unconditional release and safe return of other Nigerians, including women and children, abducted in Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Borno and other parts of the country.

In a statement issued by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the MDPCO said it was unpardonable that four days after the abduction of the corps members, and despite public outcry and its earlier demand for immediate rescue action, President Tinubu has remained silent while the victims languish in their captors’ den.

“In as much as it is obvious that Nigerians will not re-elect President Tinubu in 2027 due to his failure in office, it is still unpardonable that four days after the abduction of the corps members and despite the public outcry and statement by the MDPCO demanding immediate rescue action, President Tinubu has remained silent while the abducted corps members languish in misery,” the campaign said.

The organization said Nigerians cannot afford a leadership that is not alive to the primary purpose of government as provided under Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which is the security and welfare of citizens.

“President Tinubu is reminded that apart from the constitutional right to protection as a citizen, immediately a Nigerian youth is called up for NYSC, his security and wellbeing becomes the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government,” Ihediwa stated.

The MDPCO insisted that one hour in captivity is one hour too long, and one victim in captivity is one victim too many.

“In other climes where leaders prioritize the wellbeing and safety of citizens, citizens are not allowed to remain and suffer in captivity, as has become the horrible reality in Nigeria under the failed All Progressives Congress (APC) administration,” it said.

The campaign said insecurity should no longer be treated with rhetoric, lip service and kid gloves as the APC administration has done, especially in the last three and a half years, resulting in the killing of more than 600,000 innocent Nigerians by terrorist elements, with countless others in captivity.

“These ugly indices are unacceptable and can no longer be overlooked by Nigerians,” the MDPCO said.

It called on President Tinubu to act now, deal decisively with insecurity and bring back the abducted corps members and all other Nigerians languishing in the hands of their abductors.