December 01, (THEWILL) — The heightened insecurity in the country is taking a toll on Kano as notable leaders in the state literally traded blames at the weekend.
As prominent leaders in the state, former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin made statements on insecurity in the state which the government thought to be in bad taste and it reacted immediately.
Ganduje, in his assessment of the security situation in the state, had called on Governor Yusuf to act fast and tame the “current security situation in the state which appears to be assuming a worrisome proportion that cannot be ignored or downplayed.” He argued that the security models adopted during his two-term administration of the state had strengthened local vigilance networks, multi-layered community policing, robust intelligence sharing, enhanced coordination with security agencies and development-focused crime-prevention frameworks could serve as a guide to the incumbent governor.
Responding, the government called for the immediate arrest of former Governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for allegedly making inciting statements capable of undermining the security efforts of the state government.
The State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya, made the request while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting of the State Executive Council on Friday.
“Council deliberated extensively over the recent inflammatory statements made by a former Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, who alleged that the state is vulnerable to banditry and further announced plans to recruit 12,000 individuals under a proposed religious police outfit named Khairul Nas.
“Council noted that the utterances were inciting, reckless and capable of undermining the security efforts of Kano State Government and the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, which demonstrated genuine concern for the plight of its citizens and had continued to work tirelessly to safeguard their lives and properties across the nation”, Wayya said.
According to him, less than 48 hours after the statement, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the State, raising concerns that the remarks might have been premeditated or linked to the assault.
He said the council reaffirmed its appreciation of the Federal Government and security agencies for their ongoing support in the fight against the insecurity “and therefore, called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former Governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group.”
It urged public figures to avoid statements that could incite unrest, assuring citizens of the State Government’s commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order across the state.
In his reaction, Ganduje dismissed as “reckless and baseless” the recent call by the Kano State Government for his arrest over alleged remarks on the formation of a militia group.
Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu said the demand for his principal’s arrest reflects “the desperation and incompetence” of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He said the governor’s action amounts to an abdication of responsibility by an administration that “has consistently failed to secure the lives and property of the people of Kano State.”
“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” the statement read.
Ganduje criticised the governor for allegedly ignoring communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa and other affected areas, which he said are living in fear amid rising incidents of violence.
“At a time when these communities are experiencing attacks, the governor has neither visited nor shown empathy toward the victims.
“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” he added.
The former governor maintained that he has never been associated with violence or any act capable of undermining the peace and stability of the state.
The statement noted that Ganduje, during his eight-year tenure, kept the state secure and earned national commendation for peace and safety, saying this “stands in stark contrast to the current administration’s ineptitude and lack of direction.”
It urged Yusuf to focus on his constitutional duty of protecting residents rather than “engaging in political theatrics and peddling unfounded allegations.”
“Leadership is demonstrated through purposeful action, responsibility and compassion—not through press conferences and frivolous statements aimed at diverting public attention from one’s failures,” the statement added.
Similarly, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, cautioned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State against politicising security issues, urging him instead to concentrate on resolving the growing challenges confronting the state.
Barau’s reaction followed a claim by the state government that his recent comments were capable of undermining ongoing security operations.
The allegation was made at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor.
His media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau dismissed the allegation as baseless and challenged the state government to produce evidence of any comment he made that could aggravate insecurity in Kano.
The Deputy President of the Senate described as false, reckless and malicious claims by the Kano State government through its Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, that Senator Barau made statements undermining security efforts.
He said, “It is unfortunate that the state government has reduced governance to fabricating lies aimed at tarnishing the Deputy President of the Senate’s growing reputation.”
Barau insisted that he had never made any comment capable of jeopardising security operations, adding that he had consistently collaborated with stakeholders to tackle the security challenges affecting parts of Kano and the wider country.
“We challenge them to produce the clip where the Deputy President of the Senate made any statement capable of undermining security efforts,” the statement added.
Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged Governor Yusuf to “wake up from slumber” and take charge of the administration of the state.
“Until governance was pushed aside, Kano used to be second only to Lagos in terms of prosperity. Unfortunately, bad governance has eroded this. We have everything necessary to restore the state’s glory, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction,” he said.
The senator outlined his own contributions to security enhancement in the state, including the provision of operational vehicles to police formations across his senatorial district and other parts of Kano, as well as motorcycles for police personnel in Kano North.
He also renovated parts of the state police headquarters, constructed police stations, and supported the Department of State Services (DSS) with logistics.
Additionally, Barau said he facilitated the establishment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) training college in Gwarzo, the Police Service Commission training institute in Kabo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service training school in Bichi—all currently under construction.
He also installed solar-powered street lights across his senatorial district and other parts of the state to aid night patrols.
“Senator Barau has made significant contributions to enhancing security in Kano State. The state government should emulate such efforts rather than casting aspersions on his personality,”
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
