Politicising insecurity weakens fight against threats – Kano gov

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has voiced strong criticism against what he terms the 'politicization of insecurity' in Nigeria, identifying it as a significant impediment to national efforts aimed at restoring peace. Speaking in Lagos at a summit organized by the Nigerian Human Rights Community, Yusuf, represented by his cabinet members, lamented that certain unpatriotic elements are exploiting the nation's grave security challenges for political advantage. This, he argued, directly undermines the collective resolve and the specific initiatives undertaken by President Bola Tinubu's administration to combat escalating threats.

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It is essential to acknowledge the grave security challenges besieging our beloved nation.

The governor acknowledged the pervasive nature of security issues across the country, noting that the signs of a fractured nation are palpable in daily life. He used the example of a farmer in Kano hesitating to transport goods to Onitsha due to safety concerns on the roads, or a graduate in Lagos perceiving Kano as inaccessible, to illustrate the impact of insecurity. Yusuf stressed that addressing these complex challenges requires a shared responsibility, asserting that the government cannot tackle the crisis alone. Security, he posited, must be a collective endeavor with the government leading the charge.

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Regrettably, there are unpatriotic individuals who exploit these challenges for political gain, undermining collective efforts, especially those of President Bola Tinubu, to combat the escalating threat of insecurity.

Within Kano State itself, Governor Yusuf admitted to ongoing security challenges, including incursions by bandits in areas like Tsanyawa, Shanono, and Ghari local government areas. He detailed his administration's swift and decisive actions in collaboration with security agencies to counter threats such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Furthermore, the state has established a neighborhood watch corps to complement formal security structures and address internal issues like gang rivalry and phone snatching.

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Security must be an endeavor that involves everyone, with the government taking the lead.

Looking beyond immediate concerns, Governor Yusuf proposed a 'Bridge of Trust Initiative' aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the Northern and Southern states. He emphasized that national development cannot solely depend on federal or regional centers like Abuja, Lagos, or Kano. Instead, it requires the North and South to recognize each other as partners, not adversaries. This initiative, he suggested, could involve joint youth innovation hubs and other collaborative ventures to build mutual understanding and strengthen the fabric of the nation.

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A ‘fractured nation’ is evident when a farmer in Kano hesitates to transport his goods to Onitsha due to fears regarding safety on the roads. It is reflected in the despair of a young graduate in Lagos who perceives Kano as inaccessible.