The Peoples’ Democratic Party,PDP, has urged the National Assembly to grant state governors full statutory authority as Chief Security Officers, insisting that such empowerment is crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
The National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, made the appeal on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi during a sympathy visit to Kebbi State.
He led members of the PDP National Working Committee to commiserate with Governor Nasir Idris and residents over the abduction and eventual release of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
Tanimu-Turaki stressed that the country could no longer afford a system where governors lacked the constitutional backing to fully discharge their responsibilities as Chief Security Officers.
He urged lawmakers to “restructure the country’s security architecture” and take proactive steps that would give governors the authority needed to safeguard lives and property.
He noted that the delegation was in Kebbi to share in the pain and relief of the people following the children’s rescue. “We are here as leaders of the PDP to identify with the people of Maga over the abduction of our daughters.
On behalf of our party nationwide, we extend empathy, sympathy and solidarity to the government and people of Kebbi State,” he stated.
Describing the incident as a test of faith, the chairman encouraged Nigerians to remain united regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.
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He warned that banditry had become a threat to all, stressing that criminals target people for ransom without discrimination.
He commended the courage of the affected community and their insistence on prompt action, which contributed to the successful rescue of the schoolgirls.
Tanimu-Turaki also praised the Kebbi State Government for its efforts in securing the children’s release, joking that the administration would perform even better if it were led by PDP.
He added that the party would continue to extend goodwill across political divides and expressed hope that such tragedies would not recur anywhere in the country.
Responding on behalf of Governor Idris, the Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida, expressed appreciation for the visit.
He described the gesture by the PDP leadership as an act of patriotism and an example of national unity rising above party interests. He noted that the government and people of Kebbi State valued the show of solidarity at a time of distress.
He also congratulated Tanimu-Turaki on his recent emergence as PDP National Chairman and wished him a successful tenure.
Members of the PDP delegation included former Kano State Governor and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Buhari Bala.
NAN
