Insecurity: Ganduje’s taming strategy

The fact that the entire country is confronted by the scourge of insecurity is never in doubt as virtually all the existing 774 local government areas in the country are vulnerably insecure, living in perpetual fear of imminent threat of attack from unexpected means. Of course, there exist palpable fears and tension hovering over the skies of the nation.

The reason is simple; it is not enough to draft a battalion of armed security men to the streets and pretend there is security, no! Security in reality is the absence of fear in the minds of the people. In these circumstances, which Nigerian or resident is psychologically and emotionally free from the trauma and temptation of fear in these prevailing times where kidnappers or unknown-gunmen, terrorists, bandits, or secession agitators could strike any moment? At the other end, the farmers/herders conflict could also erupt at any time in any of the 774 LGAs of the nation, which often degenerates into ethno-religious conflagration. This is how worrisome the Nigerian story has degenerated to, obviously equating to anarchy. The non-challant attitude of most political leaders and elite, who have ridiculously and flagrantly neglected their covenant and responsibilities to the ordinary people who ensured their ascension to their exalted positions, is the major cause of the worsening insecurity in the country. Under their watch, education and health care delivery which used to be free or affordable to the common man have become expensive. Employment and recruitment processes, which were based on merit or qualification are now based on “who I know syndrome” to the detriment of qualified children and youths of the lower rung in the society.

Budgetary provisions for improvement and maintenance of critical infrastructure are circumvented and misappropriated for oiling the extravagant life-style and humongous cost of government associated with the political class. These realities remain the major factors propelling and compelling frustration in the psyche of most youths who have now found a vocation in kidnapping and banditry since those in authority have obviously sidelined them from benefiting from the nation’s common patrimony. However, the following story would suffice to understand the consequences that await all public treasury looters. Once upon a time, a community leader had led his people to a farm for collective expedition, there was a huge aged tree that produces enough ripe oranges; the community leader was mandated to climb up so that he would pluck and throw down the ripe oranges for distribution to members of the community. Unfortunately, out of greed the leader of the community neglected his people who were expecting him to throw down the ripe oranges to be gathered for collective benefit, instead he plucked and filled his pocket and at the same time savoured some of the oranges. After waiting for sometime without any response, out of frustration they pull down the tree using collective force. In essence, those who are inclined towards manipulating our collective resources up there (God forbid) may end up being brought down by the people, albeit catastrophically.

However, the conceptual intent of this piece was pre-conceived to bring to public domain some of the strategic policies and programmes of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state which make it possible for Kano to be one of the few states in Nigeria that is not experiencing any form of security threat. Remarkably, Governor Ganduje had laboured vigorously to ensure the safety of lives and investment of all inhabitants in the state, irrespective of ethnic or religious leaning. In furtherance of his commitment to sustain peace in the state, while presenting the reports of his administration’s progress on his sixth anniversary in power, during a town hall meeting on May 30, 2021, in Kano, Ganduje reassured the people that: “Kano is a family of Nigerians, Nigeria is one, we promise that everybody is an indigene of the state. No discrimination, no segregation in terms of tribe or religion.” He said further; “We will continue to sustain the tempo, in a way there will be no cases of armed robbery, no ethnic clashes, no banditry or insurgency.”

Governor Ganduje is one Nigerian leader that demystified ethnic and religious belligerence and skirmishes in the state by adopting an all inclusive administration. It was for that reason Kano state has remained the most peaceful state in northern Nigeria and by extension the country. To corroborate the above statement, some years ago, some disgruntled northern youth groups issued a purported quit notice to southerners, seeking their repatriation from the north to south, it was Ganduje who first publicly disassociated himself and Kano state from that inciteful declaration. He said: “We are not with them, all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnicity or religion, have the right to reside, own properties and do business in any part of the country as enshrined in the federal constitution.”

That was vintage Ganduje for you! To demonstrate his commitment to the unity of Nigeria, he did not object to marry out his loved daughter to a Yoruba man; today he is a proud in-law to the South-west. Furthermore, not long ago, when the Eze Igbo of Kano was searching for means and avenues to celebrate the popular Yam and Ofala festival in Kano, Ganduje offered to host the event right inside the corona-hall embedded within the Kano Government House. Ironically, that was the first time any of such socio-cultural or tribal events was held in the exclusive Kano Government House. In appreciation of Ganduje’s numerous magnanimity, contributions and social integration disposition to residents who are not originally indigenes of the state. The South-east council of traditional rulers bestowed “the defender of the Igbo people” title on Ganduje.

Similarly, three years ago the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had bestowed an award of excellence on Ganduje for his continued show of concern and support to the Christian community in the state.

Another factor significant in sustaining the prevailing atmosphere of peace in Kano state was the concerted political-will y Ganduje towards engaging the youths to be self-reliant. In this regard, the comments of Ganduje suffice: “We have succeeded in empowering and training over one million youths in the state. We identified 25 vocational skills in Kano. We purchased equipment and built the Dangote ultra-modern skill acquisition centre in Kano. We also engaged in general empowerment where we financially empower the youths, the women, tricycle operators, butchers, traders, mechanics, artisans; and many more sent to PAN in Kaduna to learn automobile engineering. At the moment, we have 8,000 of Kano state indigenes undergoing various academic training globally sponsored by our government.”

With thIS massive investment on the youths, it is evident that Ganduje is determined to ensure that the youth population becomes an asset rather than a liability to the society. Finally, I hope other state governors would emulate Ganduje’s strides towards taming the tide of insecurity in Nigeria.

Bilal, MD, Royal Publishing Publicity Company, Jos, Plateau state, writes via 08167989085