Kebbi Governor Warns Politicians Against Politicizing Insecurity Crisis

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has issued a stern caution to politicians and various stakeholders against the dangerous tendency of weaponizing the state’s severe security challenges for partisan gain. Dependable NG reports that the governor insisted that insecurity must be viewed as a grave collective challenge demanding unity and consensus, rather than an opportunity for opposition figures to launch divisive political attacks.

The Governor made this definitive statement while addressing the respected members of the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum Annual Conference and Economic Development Summit in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday. The forum, often serving as the moral compass of the state and advocating for civil political discourse, provided a key platform for Governor Idris to deliver his powerful message. He candidly noted that no single state across the entire Nigerian federation is immune from security problems, stating that attempts to exploit such matters for political leverage actively undermine the collective, multi-agency efforts being employed to restore lasting peace and stability.

Governor Idris did not mince words when assigning blame, declaring that individuals attempting to turn security matters into a political football were working against the interests of the people. “The security of the people should not be politicized. The issue is not about me; it is about the state. Those doing so are enemies of the state,” the governor stated unequivocally. This strong language reflects the perceived frustration of the administration with critics who may be downplaying efforts or distorting facts about the security operations, particularly in the banditry-prone Southern Kebbi region.

The Governor specifically implored the Elders Forum—the highest advisory body in the state—to actively caution individuals within their sphere of influence who may be using the volatile issue of insecurity for their own political advancements. He stressed that their actions, by creating unnecessary divisions and sowing mistrust in the government’s efforts, are deeply detrimental to Kebbi’s fragile image and hinder its developmental aspirations, particularly in agriculture, which is the economic mainstay of the area.

In defense of his administration’s commitment, Governor Idris detailed the significant support being rendered to the various security formations operating within Kebbi State. This assistance, vital for tackling the cross-border banditry and other criminal threats plaguing communities, includes the provision of essential logistics, the supply of new operational vehicles, and continuous funding. The Governor had previously vowed to “empty the state treasury” if necessary to protect lives, a commitment that underscores the urgency of his security mandate in the face of ongoing attacks reported in areas like the Zuru Emirate. His administration maintains that with continued public support and non-politicized effort, the ongoing military successes, which have already seen many villagers return to their farms, will lead to a full restoration of peace.