The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Assembly to grant governors full statutory powers as chief security officers of their respective states.
The national chairman of the party, Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, made the call in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday when he led a delegation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on a sympathy visit to Kebbi.
The PDP chairman was at Birnin Kebbi to sympathise with Gov. Nasir Idris and the people of the state over the abduction of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, who regained their freedom on Tuesday, November 24.
The chairman reiterated the need to restructure the nation’s security framework, stressing that governors must be empowered to effectively discharge their roles as chief security officers.
“We call on the National Assembly to restructure the country’s security architecture to give governors full constitutional powers as Chief Security Officers of their states.
“There is a need for the lawmaker to take proactive measures to give governors full powers to exercise their responsibilities,” he advocated.
Mr Tanimu-Turaki said the party leadership was in the state to commiserate and rejoice with the government and people of Kebbi over the abduction and freedom of schoolgirls in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
“We are here as leaders of the PDP to identify with the people of Maga over the abduction of our daughters.
“On behalf of the party’s leadership nationwide, we convey our message of empathy, sympathy and solidarity to the government and people of Kebbi state,” he added.
Mr Tanimu-Turaki described the incident as a test of faith, urging citizens to unite irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
“At times like this, we must reflect soberly and work collaboratively. Bandits see individuals as potential ransom targets, which is why we must come together, because this is a common problem affecting our society.
“I commend your courage and resilience in asking the necessary questions that led to the early rescue of our children,” he said.
Mr Tanimu-Turaki also commended the state government for its efforts, adding that, “Even though if you were in the PDP, you would do better.
“We will send a team to lobby you to join our party. Political differences should not affect our personal relationship.”
The chairman prayed that similar incidents would not occur anywhere in the country, saying that Nigerians must remain united to ensure peace and mutual protection.
Responding, Mr Idris commended the PDP chairman for what he described as patriotism and a demonstration of national unity above partisan considerations.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Umar Abubakar-Tafida, said: “National interest is higher than individual or party interest.
“We thank you for coming to commiserate with us over this unfortunate incident.
“We appreciate you and your delegation for identifying with the government and people of the state,” he said.
While congratulating Mr Tanimu-Turaki on his emergence as PDP national chairman at the recently concluded convention, the governor prayed for a successful tenure.
Former Kano State governor and ex-minister of foreign affairs, Ibrahim Shekarau, and former minister of state for foreign affairs, Buhari Bala, were among members of the PDP NWC delegation.
(NAN)