Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Dr. Fayose praised President Tinubu’s decisive leadership and acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies whose professionalism and resilience ensured the safe release of the victims after 56 harrowing days in captivity.
Beyond his commendation, the former Governor urged critics of the President to exercise fairness and moderation in their assessments. He emphasized that while constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, it is equally important to recognize and celebrate milestones that directly improve the lives of citizens.
According to him, the safe release of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers is a feat that deserves national commendation and collective celebration.
Dr. Fayose described the rescue as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity, stressing that it demonstrates the strength of the nation’s security architecture and its commitment to safeguarding citizens. He further called for sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities to ensure schools remain secure environments for learning and development.
He underscored that the protection of children and teachers must remain a national priority, as education is the bedrock of Nigeria’s future.
His statement on Saturday made available to newsmen reads in part: “While I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, DSS, Police, and other security and intelligence agencies for the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, it will also be wise for his critics to cut the President some slack at a time like this and stop politicizing the situation for pecuniary gains. It is sacrilegious for any politician not to place premium on the sanctity of life, especially when lives are involved.
“When Mr. President does it right, he should be commended. Opposition should see beyond politics. Comments from opposition groups should not always be about condemnation. Because you want to wrestle power with the President does not mean you should deny your country patriotism. Meanwhile, no indicator has shown that the opposition can do better than what Asiwaju is currently doing.”
Dr. Fayose further highlighted that the administration’s tact and intelligence ensured the victims were rescued alive after nearly two months in captivity, noting that critics should apply the same energy used in condemnation to acknowledge successes.
He pointed to President Tinubu’s broader achievements across multiple sectors, including economic reforms, infrastructure development, social welfare initiatives, and security restructuring. He cited the unification of foreign exchange windows, which helped stabilize the naira and eliminate arbitrage, as well as the launch of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support disadvantaged students in accessing higher education.
“From all indications, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recorded significant structural achievements across multiple sectors, though the short-term impact of these reforms may be tough. His most notable successes span economic overhauls, infrastructure development, social welfare, and local governance,” Fayose stated.
He concluded by stressing that the abduction of schoolchildren is a grave violation of human rights and must never be reduced to political maneuvering. The focus, he said, should remain on protecting children, supporting families, and ensuring swift justice for perpetrators.
“Turning such tragedies into political battles risks distracting from urgent action and undermines public trust. The conversation should center on child protection, human rights, and systemic solutions to prevent future abductions,” he added.
