Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the President prioritised securing the victims’ release over making telephone calls.
Akume’s remarks, contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, were widely seen as a response to comments by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who had expressed disappointment that the President did not personally call him during the crisis.
The SGF maintained that the President’s focus was on ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers rather than engaging in symbolic gestures.
Speaking while receiving members of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development, led by its President, Mr. Peter Asuquo Bassey, at his office in Abuja, Akume said effective leadership should be measured by results.
“We live in a society where everything is politicised. Yes, we inherited difficult situations, but we are improving by the day,” he said.
Referring to the controversy over the alleged absence of a presidential phone call, Akume asked: “Would a telephone call have resolved the case? Would those held captive have been released? No. It is the strategy being used to ensure the safety of those held in captivity that should be paramount. We should be interested in the release of these children and others, not in a telephone call.”
According to him, President Tinubu’s leadership is defined by decisive action rather than rhetoric.
“This is why I tell people that Asiwaju is a doer. He is not a talker. Nigerians wanted to see the safe return of those innocent children and today they have been rescued through the strategic efforts of our security agencies under the President’s leadership. That is what matters,” he added.
Akume stressed that the Federal Government had adopted an intelligence-driven approach to tackling terrorism and kidnapping, arguing that such security operations require careful planning rather than political grandstanding.
“The President has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. His administration remains focused on restoring peace across the country, protecting lives and creating an environment where Nigerians can live and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear,” he said.
The SGF also noted during the meeting that he had informed the Italian Ambassador earlier in the day that terrorism is a global challenge that requires coordinated responses.
The statement came days after the successful rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers who were kidnapped on May 15 from schools in Ahoro, Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following a multi-agency intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Army, other security agencies, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters. They were subsequently handed over to the Oyo State Government after undergoing medical evaluation and psychosocial support.
Earlier, Akume described President Tinubu as a leader who backs his promises with decisive action, commending the coordinated security operation that led to the successful rescue of the Oriire pupils and teachers.
He also praised the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development for promoting interfaith harmony and national unity.
“I am particularly impressed that you have chosen unity over division. Whether one is a Christian or a Muslim is not the issue; what matters is that we are Nigerians united by a common destiny. Your association demonstrates that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but essential for national progress,” he said.
Akume assured the association of the Federal Government’s continued support and urged it to sustain its efforts in mobilising young Nigerians for peace-building, civic responsibility and national integration.
Earlier, the association’s President, Peter Asuquo Bassey, said members were inspired by Akume’s record in public service and had visited to strengthen their relationship with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“We have come to familiarise and strengthen our relationship with you because we believe strongly in your leadership. We have followed your antecedents over the years and are convinced that you are committed to the service of our nation. We want you to know that you have young Nigerians who believe in what you are doing and are ready to support your efforts,” Bassey said.
He added that the association would continue promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerian youths across religious and ethnic divides while educating them on government programmes and policies.
Bassey also disclosed that preparations were underway for a National Peace Summit scheduled for September 2026, aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national unity, and appealed for the SGF’s support towards the successful hosting of the event.