𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐨: 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞- By Aliyu Isa Aliyu, Ph.D

By Aliyu Isa Aliyu, Ph.D

I have read the unfortunate press release from the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin. While the senator attempts to deflect the legitimate concerns raised by the Kano State Government, it is important to set the record straight with facts rather than needless political drama. The Kano State Government did not in any way politicise insecurity. It simply responded to a public comment made by Senator Barau, a remark that clearly suggested government inaction. The senator cannot make public statements and then pretend they never happened. If he is convinced he did not make such remarks, he should ask his media office to produce the full clip of his engagements, because denial cannot override what the public already heard.

The senator is fully aware that the government at the center is responsible for coordinating security agencies, while state governors only support the process and are not the primary drivers. In clear terms, his statement undermines the security efforts of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his utterances reflect that contradiction. It is also necessary to point out that Senator Barau has never stood on the floor of the Senate to address the insecurity challenges facing Kano, unlike Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who responsibly raised the matter in the House of Representatives. That is the appropriate place for such discussions, not media soundbites.

Contrary to the senator’s claims, the present administration in Kano State under Governor Abba K Yusuf has done an exceptional amount of work to support security within its constitutional limits. Every police station across the forty four local government areas received brand new Toyota Hilux operational vehicles and communication equipment. Additional vehicles and motorcycles were delivered to the Nigerian Army just last week to strengthen counter banditry operations. Hundreds of trained neighbourhood watch personnel are ready for deployment, with their vehicles already stationed in the Government House, and they will commence work soon. Several interventions supporting the DSS, NSCDC, police, and other agencies have also been carried out discreetly, because security work is not always something to advertise.

It is therefore surprising that the senator seeks to take credit for security while neglecting the development needs of his own constituency. I recently saw his media aidesannouncing that about nine hundred million naira, funds arguably meant for constituency development, are being channelled into renovating an office of the Northwest Development Commission, a responsibility that is not even central to his mandate. The unfortunate part is that these funds could have been used to support his constituency, which is now vulnerable to bandit attacks. If it is true that he diverted resources meant for constituency projects in Kano North to the NWDC, it only reinforces what the people already know, that there is very little to show for someone who has spent three terms in the Senate. Constituency development should take precedence, not federal office renovations.

Kano State is not in slumber, contrary to the senator’s claims. The administration is vigorously implementing reforms in health care, education, infrastructure, agriculture, livestock development, youth empowerment, and many other sectors. These are not empty promises; they are visible and verifiable projects taking place across the state. What Kano truly needs is cooperation from all elected representatives, not distractions or attempts to undermine progress with inaccurate public commentary. Even someone with limited sight can observe the level of development currently ongoing in the state. Instead of making baseless accusations, Senator Barau should explain to the people of Kano North what he has achieved for them in terms of infrastructure, education, and other key sectors.

Security requires unity, not competition. The governor simply reminded all stakeholders, both federal and state, that sensitive security matters demand caution and responsibility. Senator Barau’s attempt to portray himself as the sole contributor to security efforts in Kano is unnecessary and misleading. If he has indeed supported security agencies, that contribution is appreciated, but it does not grant him the right to misrepresent the actions of the state government or make statements that demoralise security personnel working tirelessly to protect the state.

The people of Kano want leaders who will unite to address insecurity, not those who issue press statements for political advantage. The state government remains focused on strengthening security and driving development, and will continue to work with all stakeholders who genuinely prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the citizens.