Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has criticised what he described as unpatriotic individuals exploiting Nigeria’s security challenges for political gain, warning that such actions undermine national efforts to restore peace.
Yusuf spoke on Tuesday in Lagos at the National Summit on Democracy, Good Governance and Sustainable Development, organised by the Nigerian Human Rights Community.
Represented by members of the Kano State cabinet led by the Commissioner for Transport, Haruna Dederi, he said politicising insecurity weakens coordinated responses to the crisis.
Yusuf said, “It is essential to acknowledge the grave security challenges besieging our beloved nation. 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.”
The governor acknowledged the gravity of the situation nationwide, noting that signs of a fractured country are evident in everyday life.
He, however, stressed that addressing insecurity requires collective responsibility, adding that government alone cannot resolve the crisis.
“Security must be an endeavour that involves everyone, with the government taking the lead. 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,” he said.
Yusuf acknowledged bandit incursions into parts of Kano, including Tsanyawa, Shanono and Ghari local government areas, stating that his administration continues to collaborate with security agencies to address the threats.
“We have taken swift, decisive action against this security threat and continue to collaborate closely with our security agencies to prevent acts of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and related offences,” he stated.
On internal security, he said the state had established a neighbourhood watch corps to complement formal security structures.
“Even within Kano, we continue to contend with issues such as gang rivalry and phone snatching. This necessitated the neighbourhood watch corps to help curb the emerging threat,” he said.
Yusuf also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between Northern and Southern states, which he described as building a “bridge of trust.”
He said, “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.
“Therefore, I propose the establishment of a ‘Bridge of Trust Initiative’ between Northern and Southern states, comprising joint youth innovation hubs, inter-state student exchanges, and a collaborative platform for civil society to mediate disputes before they escalate.”
“Nigeria is not beyond repair; however, it is too valuable to take risks with. The time to rebuild is now, and it must commence with each of us,” Yusuf added.
The keynote speaker, Ayo Opadokun, argued that the nation cannot ignore its reality of division along ethnic, religious and regional lines.
He said the country continues to struggle under mistrust, inequity and a fragile national identity.
To rebuild Nigeria, Opadokun called for a return to genuine federal principles, institutionalised justice and fairness, and stronger national integration policies.
The chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition also urged reforms in the political process and governance structures.
“We must redefine what it means to be a Nigerian; the judiciary must be independent; security agencies must be neutral and professional; anti-corruption bodies must be fearless and impartial; leadership must rise above narrow interests, and citizens must reject divisive narratives,” he said.
He further urged Nigerians to choose unity and justice over fragmentation, adding that patriotism must be rooted in fairness, not propaganda.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of Journalists for Democratic Rights, Adewale Adeoye, said the summit was convened to explore solutions to national fragmentation.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NUPE Community in Lagos, Kudu Abubakar, commended the Kano State government’s commitment to peace and stability.
The summit also featured award presentations, with Governor Yusuf receiving the Governor of the Year Award, Ayo Opadokun receiving a Leadership and Integrity Award, and Muhuyi Rimingado, former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, receiving an Integrity and Honour Award.
The event was attended by leaders of several ethnic and regional organisations, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa and Middle Belt groups.
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