The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has urged Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to stop politicising security matters and focus on addressing the state’s challenges.
Barau’s comments come in response to claims by the Kano State Government after its 34th Executive Council Meeting, which alleged that one of his statements could undermine ongoing security efforts. The senator dismissed the allegations as false and challenged the government to provide evidence.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau said:
“The attention of the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate has been drawn to false, reckless, and malicious claims by the Kano State Government that His Excellency made a statement capable of undermining security efforts. There was no such statement.”
Barau emphasised his longstanding collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat insecurity in Kano and nationwide. He challenged the government to produce any clip in which he allegedly undermined security.
Highlighting his contributions to security in the state, Barau listed interventions including provision of vehicles and motorcycles for police formations, renovations at the state police headquarters, construction of police stations, and support for the DSS. He also facilitated the establishment of security training institutions, including the NSCDC College in Gwarzo, the Nigeria Police Service Commission training institute in Kabo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service training school in Bichi. Additionally, he installed solar streetlights in multiple communities to aid night patrols.
The senator further criticised Governor Yusuf’s administration for misgovernance, noting that Kano once rivalled Lagos in prosperity. He stressed that the state could regain its former glory if the right decisions are made.
The statement concluded that Senator Barau has made “significant contributions” to improving security in Kano and advised the government to follow his example rather than attack his character.