Intellectual Dishonesty Fuels Claims of Governor’s Complicity in Diversion of Anti-Banditry Logistics – Bisi Kristien
By Zionia Joseph
The Kwara State Government has come under renewed public scrutiny following allegations circulating on social media that a government-provided logistics vehicle was used for banditry, with attempts by opposition figures to link the incident to the Governor.
Commenting on the controversy, Bisi Kristien described the claims as a product of “intellectual dishonesty,” accusing the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of either lacking informed judgment or deliberately feigning ignorance to gain political advantage.
Kristien explained that it is a statutory responsibility of chief security officers—including the President, State Governors, and Local Government Chairmen—to provide logistical support to security agencies when authorising operations to combat security threats. According to him, the Kwara State Government has acted within its constitutional mandate by supporting joint security efforts involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and community vigilante groups.
The controversy followed the circulation of a viral video in which an arrested bandit alleged that a vehicle was provided by the Ilorin Government and that firearms were supplied by an individual identified as “Victor.” The video has since been amplified by several online platforms, with narratives suggesting that the Governor or the state government directly aided bandits.
Kristien, however, noted that the Kwara State Government had officially clarified the matter. According to the clarification, the vehicle in question was provided by the Ifelodun Local Government Council as logistics for joint security operatives and vigilantes and had been declared missing for a long period. The Commissioner for Communications further stated that the arrest shown in the video took place in Edo State, not in Kwara.
On the allegation concerning the supply of firearms, Kristien said the individual named “Victor” was neither an aide to the Governor nor linked to the state government, but was suspected to be a security operative. He added that the firearm referenced in the video was reportedly traced to Abuja, suggesting possible internal compromise within security structures rather than gubernatorial involvement.
While acknowledging the right of the public to ask questions and demand accountability, Kristien argued that the real issue lies in how individuals recommended as vigilantes for community protection later became involved in criminal activities. He said such individuals were nominated by communities or security formations and provided with logistics in good faith, based on assurances that they would protect lives and property.“
A governor can only work with personnel presented by recognised security agencies or endorsed by the community,” Kristien stated, adding that government may be caught unawares when such individuals turn out to be saboteurs.
He stressed that his comments do not represent an official government position but a personal intervention aimed at clarifying the issues. According to him, the diversion of a logistics vehicle meant for security operations highlights the depth of infiltration within security networks, some of which extend beyond Kwara State, and partly explains the prolonged fight against insecurity.
Kristien concluded that attributing such incidents to the Governor amounts to political recklessness, urging the people of Kwara to resist what he described as attempts by the PDP to weaponise insecurity to undermine ongoing governance efforts in the state.