The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the federal government for shutting down schools because of rising kidnappings, saying the move only helps terrorists achieve their aim.
PDP spokesman, Comrade Ini Ememobong, told journalists in Abuja that closing schools “rewards criminal behaviour” and spreads fear.
“If the schools are closed, the goal of the terrorists would have been inadvertently achieved,” he said.
Party urges gov’t to implement proper safety plan
Ememobong said the government should develop a real security plan instead of “a simplistic approach” like shutting schools to avoid more kidnappings.
He asked the government to fully fund and implement the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which relies on community intelligence and quick-response systems.
He warned that insecurity is now pushing many children away from school, especially in the North.
Comrade Ini Ememobong cited UNICEF figures showing Northern Nigeria has most of the country’s 18.3 million out-of-school children.
PDP accuses Tinubu gov’t of weak response
Ememobong criticised the federal government for what he called a slow and insensitive reaction to recent kidnappings.
He said the President should have visited Kebbi and Niger states to meet families of abducted children, instead of only sending the Minister of State for Defence.
Comrade Ini Ememobong added that the strong delegations sent to the US Congress and the G-20 summit, compared to the “lone envoy” sent to address the kidnappings, show that the government is not taking insecurity seriously.
The PDP reminded the government that protecting lives and property is its primary duty.
“At any time a government is unwilling, unable, or incapable of executing this primary role, such a government must either ask for help locally or internationally or honourably resign, if it is sincere and responsible,” Ememobong said.
