Jimoh Ibrahim is uninformed: UN intervenes in nation’s internal affairs, by Owei Lakemfa

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's call for international scrutiny of a recent pupil and teacher abduction has ignited a debate over Nigeria's internal affairs and the role of global bodies. Makinde urged the United Nations to "closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution," stating the goal was to reinforce public confidence in justice and accountability, not to undermine national institutions.

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on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.

However, the Nigerian presidency, via spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, strongly rebuked the governor's appeal. Onanuga described the call as "absolutely unnecessary," suggesting it stemmed from political motives and a lack of trust in Nigeria's own institutions. The Senate also cautioned Makinde for seeking external involvement in what is primarily a domestic security matter.

The article contends that Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, is mistaken in his assertion that the UN does not interfere in the internal affairs of member states or investigate domestic security incidents. The author points to past UN interventions and investigations, including a recent inquiry by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Nigeria.

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It is just unfortunate that Mr Makinde, maybe because of politics, because he is a presidential candidate now, doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions and is now calling on an external body to come and investigate.

While acknowledging that internal security is largely a domestic responsibility, the piece highlights that the UN does intervene in cases of severe human rights violations. The author suggests that the UN Security Council could potentially authorize military intervention if the Nigerian government repeatedly fails to protect its civilian population, particularly schoolchildren.

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The United Nations does not interfere in the internal affairs of its member states. It is not an institution established to investigate domestic security incidents. Security within a country’s territory remains the primary responsibility of the government at all levels.