A public affairs analyst and commentator, Miss Shalom Sam, has called for transparency and professionalism in handling major national security and corruption cases, stressing that public confidence in government institutions should take precedence over political interests.
Speaking on Adamimogo 105.1FM’s News Headline programme, Daily Dose, Sam reacted to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent United Nations probe into the Oriire school kidnapping incident, as well as the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
On the Oriire kidnapping, Sam expressed relief over the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers after spending 56 days in captivity. She commended the government, security agencies, military personnel and intelligence operatives for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
“I really want to commend everyone involved, the government, military operations, security intelligence and all the strategies that were put in place to ensure that these students and teachers were rescued,” she said.
Addressing Governor Makinde’s request for a UN-backed investigation, the analyst said the issue should not be viewed through a political lens but from the standpoint of public safety and accountability.
“From a criminology perspective, the first question is always about motive. What is the intention behind the call? While our local institutions should be given the opportunity and credibility to investigate security matters, I also understand the need for professionalism and transparency to strengthen Nigerians’ confidence in the country’s security architecture,” she stated.
She maintained that the priority should be rebuilding public trust and ensuring citizens feel safe, regardless of political affiliations or differing opinions.
“Building a safer country is ultimately the priority. We should not play politics with issues of national security. Whatever action is taken should be geared towards restoring confidence among Nigerians,” she added.
Responding to comments by the Presidency describing the governor’s request as unnecessary, Sam insisted that discussions should be guided by facts rather than speculation.
She noted that while some Nigerians have questioned the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping, investigations should rely on evidence rather than public opinion.
“People may have different opinions or theories, but we should function based on facts and evidence. Whatever anyone believes, people were affected and the nation has already suffered the impact of the incident. That is why every concern must be handled professionally,” she said.
Turning to the PFIPC controversy involving its Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, Sam called for an open, fact-based investigation into the allegations.
She urged the government and relevant investigative agencies to ensure that any accusations are backed by credible evidence before reaching conclusions.
“Whatever the government has to do to establish the truth should be done. Let it not be about throwing suspicions into the air. Let there be credible investigations that establish facts beyond reasonable doubt before anyone is found culpable,” she said.
The analyst stressed that transparency throughout the investigative process would strengthen public confidence and uphold the principles of justice.
On Adeyemi’s call for a broader investigation beyond the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Sam said established legal procedures should be allowed to take their course.
“When it comes to criminal investigations, there are due processes. Whatever lawful measures will improve transparency and accountability should be pursued, but everything must follow the procedures provided by law,” she concluded.
