Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, says some individuals in the country are exploiting Nigeria’s security challenges for political gain.
Yusuf spoke in Lagos on Tuesday at a national conference
organised by the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), with the theme
“Building a fractured nation.”
Represented by Issa Katere, Kano state commissioner for
transportation, the governor said Nigeria is currently facing “grave security
challenges” that require collective responsibility and cooperation between
government and citizens.
According to him, security must be a shared responsibility,
with government providing leadership and direction.
“Regrettably, there are unpatriotic individuals who exploit
these challenges for political gain, undermining collective efforts, especially
those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to combat the escalating threat of
insecurity,” Yusuf said.
He noted that Kano, as Nigeria’s most populous state
continues to grapple with security concerns, including gang rivalry and phone
snatching, which have prompted his administration to strengthen local security
structures.
“Recently, Kano has garnered media attention due to
incursions by bandits into the Tsanyawa, Shanono, and Ghari local government
areas from neighbouring Katsina state,” he said.
“In response, my administration has taken a swift and
decisive action against this security threat.
“We continue to collaborate closely with our security
agencies, including the military, police, DSS, and all components of our
national security framework, to prevent acts of terrorism, banditry,
kidnapping, and related offenses.”
The governor said his administration has also established
and equipped a neighbourhood watch corps to support existing security agencies
and improve grassroots surveillance.
Despite the challenges, he maintained that Kano remains one
of the most peaceful states in the country.
He further warned that Nigeria’s divisions are becoming
increasingly visible in daily life, citing insecurity, economic anxiety and
declining public trust in governance.
“The theme we are discussing today is tangible and relevant.
A fractured nation is evident when a farmer in Rano hesitates to transport his
goods to Onitsha due to fears regarding safety on the roads,” he said.
“It is reflected in the despair of a young graduate in Lagos
who perceives Kano as inaccessible. It resonates in the pain we experience when
justice is postponed, leading to a breakdown of trust between the citizenry and
the state.”
He stated that the state government, having long recognised
the need to cultivate peace, has anchored its approach on justice, inclusion,
and shared prosperity.
Yusuf said the state has aligned its reforms with the Police
Act 2020 and introduced measures aimed at strengthening justice delivery and
protecting citizens’ rights.
According to him, the measures include a police duty
solicitors scheme designed to safeguard suspects’ rights, prevent arbitrary
arrests in civil matters, ensure free bail where appropriate, and mandate
notification of next of kin.
‘NIGERIA IS NOT BEYOND REPAIR’
The governor called for stronger national cooperation,
stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on partnership rather than division.
He proposed a “bridge of trust initiative” to promote
collaboration between northern and southern states through youth innovation
hubs, student exchange programmes and civil society dialogue platforms.
“Our message is that the construction of our nation cannot
rely solely on Abuja, Lagos, or Kano. It will flourish when the North and South
recognise each other as partners rather than adversaries,” he said.
Yusuf added that justice remains the foundation of peace,
noting that fairness and inclusion are essential to rebuilding national trust.
He concluded that Nigeria is not beyond repair but warned
that urgent collective action is needed to restore cohesion.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the
“Governor of the Year Award” to Yusuf by the leadership of NHRC, a coalition of
130 civil society and community-based organisations across the country.
The governor expressed appreciation to the organisers,
saying he was deeply honoured by the recognition.
“I foresee this conference catalysing change and fostering
restoration for our fractured nation in the near future,” he added.
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