The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has asked opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party, to hold state governments, including those headed by members of their party, accountable for the prosecution of banditry and kidnapping cases.
Lai Mohammed made the remark at a press conference on Tuesday saying banditry and kidnapping are not federal offenses.
The Minister said this as a response to statements credited to the PDP blaming the Federal Government for the rising insecurity in the country.
The opposition party leadership held a press conference on Monday, decrying the level of insecurity in the country and demanding that the federal government tackle the issues headlong.
He said the PDP alleged that kidnappers and bandits are not being brought to justice. This is apparently aimed at the Federal Government.
“The PDP should therefore call out the states, including those being controlled by it, to ensure a rigorous prosecution of arrested kidnappers and bandits.
“Meanwhile, PDP conveniently forgot that as far as terrorism, a federal offence, is concerned, this Federal Government has successfully prosecuted thousands of Boko Haram members in Kainji, as part of a continuing exercise. We are now seeking the cooperation of the judiciary to continue with the trial of arrested terrorists.”
Mohammed, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, says it is unfortunate that the opposition party has not recognised the efforts by the current administration on the matter including the town hall meeting held in Kaduna where a ten-point action plan was drawn.
He said the PDP press conference was just a play to the gallery. He further accused the party of trying to play politics with issues of national security.