The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for invoking the history of “Operation Wetie” during a summit of opposition political parties in Ibadan.
The party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, while reacting to comments by Makinde, termed the remarks as a dangerous incitement and a threat to national security.
”Makinde’s comments are reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security.
“It is particularly disturbing for a sitting Governor who bears constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of his state to conjure up one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history.
“The APC under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law, and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the peace, unity, and prosperity of all Nigerians,” he said
Morka said the governor’s rhetoric could not be dismissed as mere opposition posturing because it risked fueling anarchy and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.
He, therefore, called on relevant security and intelligence agencies to take Makinde’s statement seriously and act to safeguard lives, property, and defend Nigeria’s democratic order.
He said the governor must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution was not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security.
“No individual, however highly placed, should have the power to threaten or endanger the lives and safety of Nigerians or upend the country’s hard-won democratic governance under the guise of political commentary.
“The APC, again, vehemently rejects attempts by opposition leaders to frame their internal shambles in alarmist narratives about so-called one-party domination.
“The opposition parties are victims of self-inflicted injuries arising from anti-democratic practices,miserably poor leadership, internal contradictions, utter disregard for due process and the rule of law,”Morka said .
He also accused the opposition of persistent factionalisation, and the desperate and dissonant presidential ambitions of their leaders.
According to Morka, the opposition leaders and their coalition have not put anything forward by way of an alternative vision for Nigeria’s development.
He added that all that the opposition had in their arsenal, was fear mongering built on false narratives about the APC.
