Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has condemned individuals he described as unpatriotic for taking advantage of Nigeria’s security difficulties for political purposes, saying such behaviour weakens national efforts to achieve lasting peace.
He made this statement on Tuesday in Lagos during the National Summit on Democracy, Good Governance and Sustainable Development, organised by the Nigerian Human Rights Community. He was represented by members of the Kano State cabinet, led by the Commissioner for Transport, Haruna Dederi.
According to him, politicising insecurity only disrupts coordinated efforts to address the crisis, stressing that it also affects initiatives led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle rising security threats.
Yusuf noted that Nigeria is currently facing serious security concerns, adding that signs of national strain are visible in everyday life across different regions.
He emphasised that resolving insecurity requires collective action, not government efforts alone, explaining that insecurity affects both economic and social interactions across the country.
He illustrated this with examples of fear affecting movement and trade between regions, highlighting how insecurity discourages farmers, traders, and young professionals from freely moving across states.
The governor also acknowledged security breaches in parts of Kano State such as Tsanyawa, Shanono, and Ghari local government areas, adding that the state government is working closely with security agencies to respond to threats including banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further stated that Kano has set up a neighbourhood watch initiative to support formal security agencies in addressing issues such as gang activity and phone snatching within the state.
On national unity, Yusuf called for stronger cooperation between northern and southern regions, describing it as essential for rebuilding trust and national cohesion. He proposed initiatives such as youth innovation hubs, student exchange programmes, and mediation platforms to prevent conflicts from escalating.
He maintained that Nigeria’s unity can only be sustained through collaboration and mutual understanding among regions, adding that the country remains valuable and worth protecting through collective responsibility.
The keynote speaker, Ayo Opadokun, also stressed that Nigeria must confront its internal divisions rooted in ethnicity, religion, and regional differences. He called for true federalism, stronger institutions, and fairness in governance to rebuild national trust.
Other speakers at the summit, including Adewale Adeoye of Journalists for Democratic Rights and Kudu Abubakar of the NUPE Community in Lagos, praised efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity, and democratic development.
The event also featured awards recognising contributions to leadership, integrity, and governance.
