The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has called on Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to prioritize addressing the state’s security challenges rather than politicizing them. This comes after the Kano State Government alleged that one of Senator Barau’s statements could undermine ongoing security efforts in the state.
According to a statement released by Senator Barau’s media aide, Ismail Mudashir, the senator dismissed the allegations as false and malicious. He emphasized that insecurity in the country, including bandit attacks in parts of Kano, requires cooperation from all stakeholders. Senator Barau challenged the government to provide evidence to support their claims, stating that he has always worked with relevant stakeholders to address insecurity in Kano and across Nigeria.
The senator, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged Governor Yusuf to take governance more seriously, noting that Kano’s prosperity has been eroded due to misgovernance. He highlighted the state’s potential to return to its previous glory if the right decisions are taken. Senator Barau listed several security interventions he has supported in the state, including providing vehicles and equipment to police formations, renovating parts of the state police headquarters, and building police stations.
Additionally, Senator Barau has facilitated the establishment of training institutions for security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Service Commission. He has also installed solar streetlights in many communities to enhance night patrols. The senator’s office emphasized his significant contributions to improving security in Kano and advised the state government to follow his example rather than attacking his character.
The exchange between Senator Barau and the Kano State Government highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing insecurity in the region. As the state grapples with bandit attacks and other security concerns, cooperation between stakeholders is crucial to finding effective solutions. By prioritizing governance and security, Kano State can work towards restoring its former prosperity and ensuring the safety of its citizens.