‘Don’t politicise security’ – Sokoto gov’s aide seeks collective action
The Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Abdul Usman-Ahmad (Rtd.), has called for collective action against security challenges and warned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against politicising insecurity.
This is contained in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by the governor’s aide on Thursday in Sokoto.
Usman-Ahmad criticised remarks made by the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Alhaji Mannir Dan’iya, regarding reported threats by bandits to residents of the Kebbe community.
He urged stakeholders to adopt a collective approach toward tackling insecurity in the state, cautioning against politicising security challenges.
According to him, the protection of lives and property remains the foremost priority of the present administration of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu in the state.
He said the reported threat to Kebbe was being treated with the seriousness it deserved, adding that security agencies were working with all stakeholders to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent any attack.
He called on residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The special adviser noted that insecurity in the state did not begin with the present administration, arguing that the challenge had its roots in the previous administration.
He added that Dan’iya, who served as Deputy Governor during the previous administration, was in a good position to appreciate the difference in the approach of the two administrations to security matters.
According to him, the present administration has made significant investments in security and consistently provided security agencies operating in the state with the necessary support to enhance their effectiveness.
“We did not only restore the monthly allowances of security personnel, which had been discontinued by the previous administration; we also reviewed and increased those allowances,” he said.
“We have also provided substantial logistical support, including MRAP vehicles, new patrol vehicles, and other security equipment to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies.
“These investments demonstrate that the government is taking concrete steps and committing resources toward addressing insecurity,” he noted.
Usman-Ahmad, however, stressed that insecurity was a complex challenge that could not be resolved by government alone.
He called for collective efforts of the Federal Government, State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and residents.
“Security should therefore not be turned into a political contest.
“Political differences are normal in a democracy, but the safety and security of citizens should remain above partisan interests,” he said.
He warned that politicising security could undermine efforts to protect lives and restore peace, noting that criminal elements do not distinguish between members of political parties when attacking communities.
Usman-Ahmad further commended security personnel for their sacrifices, assuring residents that the government would continue to support them and work with communities to prevent attacks.
“Therefore, government urges residents of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities to remain calm and vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary panic,” he advised.
Newsmen report that the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Rufa’i, had confirmed threats issued by bandits to residents of the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.