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Garba Shehu Responds To Daily Trust Editorial On Worsening Security Situation In Nigeria

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4 years ago

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RESPONSE FROM THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT BUHARI TO TODAY’S DAILY TRUST EDITORIAL: “LIFE HAS LOST ITS VALUE UNDER BUHARI’S NIGERIA”

Given the seriousness of the issue raised by the Daily Trust today, the Office of the President would like to issue a response.

The growing instability and violence in the North of Nigeria and elsewhere is unacceptable. No one, not least the Presidency underestimates the seriousness of the situation. Everyday, the President holds the victims and their families in his thoughts and prayers. Above all, he wishes to reassure them – and all Nigerians – that tackling the scourge of banditry and terrorism remains this government’s first priority.

Sadly, in this respect, Nigeria is not unique. Violence and terror have risen steadily across the entire African continent over the last decade. The Economist magazine in a recent publication wrote about “The Next Afghanistan,” warning the global community of the horrifying security in our neighborhood, citing specifically the states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. So we understand the frustrations of the Daily Trust and Nigeria’s northern communities about the ongoing challenges of security and the Buhari administration is no less worried. But it is only fair to say that Nigeria’s persistent and continued efforts to suppress that instability have seen results, with the terror group Boko Haram among others reduced to a shell of its former self.

Human Rights Day: Zamfara Sexual Assault referral Center records 366 cases

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Yet, now we Nigerians face a new threat: the worst global health crisis in living memory. Even Nigeria that proudly holds the mantle of Africa’s largest economy is not immune from the debilitating economic impact of COVID-19. The economic instability that the pandemic has wreaked has proven an effective recruitment tool for bandits and terrorists across the continent.

Indeed, the Daily Trust has correctly identified the source of the violence as “an amalgam of many complex issues” such as poverty and unemployment. It is equally right to note that, in tackling the violence, “force alone will not be enough.” It is quite wrong, however, to suggest the problem of insecurity is intractable, and more wrong still to claim apathy on the part of the government.

So what is the government doing?

First, our military efforts have not let up. It is true that in the face of today’s growing number of threats from Boko Haram, kidnappers and IPOB to your run-of-the-mill bandits, our forces are stretched increasingly thin. But our dedicated soldiers are working around the clock to keep Nigerians safe.

Second, alongside military force, this government is seeking to address the violence at its economic source. Massive infrastructure projects like the coastal rail and new train from the southern coast through the north-east to our neighbour Niger, aim to expand employment and opportunity across the country, bringing hope to our more remote and poorer regions where bandits and terrorists thrive.

Third, even as the West continues to extricate itself from Africa militarily, we are lobbying our Western allies aggressively for partnership, investment and support in other areas, such as proscribing Boko Haram, bandits and IPOB as terrorist groups, which would severely dent their funding; for investment in trade and infrastructure, to help lessen economic instability; and to help with technical assistance, advanced weaponry, intelligence and ordinance.

This will likely be small comfort to the families and loved ones of those already lost. But make no mistake: this is a battle we are fighting without let up. The Daily Trust’s suggestion that the President exchanges violence for the support he got electorally is beneath a publication that claims any kind of political neutrality or integrity.

Now is not the time for this sort of lurid political journalism. Now our focus as Nigerians must be on coming together and ending the violence. As President Buhari wrote recently of the terrorists in the UK paper, The Financial Times: “We will defeat them, one highway, one rail link – and one job – at a time.”

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 12, 2021

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Kano Pilgrims Offer Special Prayers for Governor Abba’s Re-election, Peace and Development in Nigeria

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3 hours ago

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May 26, 2026

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By: Lamara Garba

Thousands of pilgrims from Kano State performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday held special prayer sessions for the re-election of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as for lasting peace, unity and development in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

The prayers took place at the Munna Hajj Camp shortly after the commencement of the Hajj rituals, as over 1.5 million pilgrims from different parts of the world gathered in the holy land to begin the spiritual journey.

Across the various tents occupied by Kano pilgrims, emotional scenes of worship, Qur’anic recitation and supplications filled the atmosphere, with many pilgrims passionately praying for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria.

The pilgrims also offered fervent prayers for a peaceful and transparent election that would usher Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into a second term in office, describing him as a leader committed to the welfare and progress of the people.

In one of the major prayer sessions attended by hundreds of pilgrims, prominent Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ya’u Dodo, who led the supplications, said the people of Kano should continue to thank Almighty Allah for blessing the state with the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

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According to him, the governor’s humility, patriotism and determination to transform Kano State have endeared him to the masses, hence the need for continued prayers for his success.

“Kano people should continue to appreciate Allah for giving them a leader like Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. His humility, love for the people and commitment to the development of the state are qualities worthy of support and prayers,” the cleric said.

He urged pilgrims to intensify prayers for Allah’s guidance, protection and support for the governor ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Ustaz Ya’u Dodo also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Allah to guide him in leading the country towards peace, economic stability and national progress.

Another respected Islamic cleric, Malam Ali Dan Abba, also led a special prayer session for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the people of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

During the prayer session, Malam Ali Dan Abba prayed fervently for Allah to continue granting the governor wisdom, strength and good health in the discharge of his responsibilities, noting that leadership is a trust that requires divine guidance and protection.

He further prayed for peace and unity among the people of Kano State, urging citizens to continue supporting one another irrespective of political, ethnic or social differences. According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of harmony, mutual understanding and fear of Allah.

The cleric also offered prayers for Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to rescue the country from economic hardship, insecurity and political tension. He appealed to leaders at all levels to govern with justice, sincerity and compassion for the masses.

Many of the pilgrims who spoke after the prayer session expressed optimism that Allah would answer their prayers and grant Kano State and Nigeria leaders who would continue to work for the wellbeing of the people.

The atmosphere at the Munna camp remained spiritually uplifting throughout the day as pilgrims continued engaging in acts of worship, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and prayers for their families, leaders and the nation.

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Kano Committee Inspects Facilities Ahead of Safe Corridor Project Take-Off

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15 hours ago

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May 25, 2026

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The Coordinator of the Safe Corridor Programme and Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Sunday led members of the programme committee Team on an inspection tour of facilities at the Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa, ahead of the commencement of the project

The Safe Corridor Programe is a non-kinetic initiative designed to support rehabilitation, empowerment, reintegration, through reorientation, and peace building, to achieve security and stability in Kano community, as part of a broader efforts to address security challenges especially daba fight and other related activities through non- kinetic approaches.

During the visit, the committee inspected key places including accommodation facility, training hall, sports areas, classes ad other essential structures expected to support the successful implementation of the programme.

Speaking during the inspection, Comrade Waiya said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Kano State Government towards strengthening peace, social stability, and community development through dialogue, Sensitization, and empowerment.

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He noted that, adequate preparations are being made to ensure a smooth and successful take-off of the project, while assuring that the committee remains focused on delivering on its mandate.

Members of the committee during the tour expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness at the facility, stating that arrangements are being concluded ahead of the official launch of the programme.
Some of the personalities who were part of the tour team included: Alh. Shehu Mohammed, Sarkin Shanu, Alh. Alh. Aliyu Umar Harazimi, Dan Amar, Hakimin Gobirawa, State Commander, of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Alh. Lawan Dahiru, Alh. Sabiu Bako, a businessman, Representatives of the civil society organizations, as well as other critical stakeholders

During, the visit, the Commissioner, for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, assured the people of Kano that, His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, is. committed to addressing the challenges of daba and political thuggery in the State.

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Kano ADC Chairmen Endorse Atiku Abubakar as Party’s Presidential Candidate

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1 day ago

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May 25, 2026

By

Abbas Yushau Yusuf

The African Democratic Congress Chairmen of the 44 Local Governments in Kano have endorsed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 general elections.

Tijjani Rabiu Bashir, the ADC Chairman of Dambatta Local Government, stated this while addressing newsmen in Kano on behalf of the remaining chairmen of the local governments.

According to Tijjani Rabiu Bashir, the 44 Local Government Chairmen of the ADC have unanimously agreed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is their candidate for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the ADC.

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The chairman said that after due consultation and considering the situation in which Nigeria finds itself, they have unanimously agreed and adopted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as their presidential candidate.

“We have agreed to endorse Alhaji Atiku’s candidacy due to his competence and pedigree, ensuring peace, uniting the nation, and his efforts toward enduring peace throughout the federation,” said Rabiu Bashir.

They further called on all stakeholders to support the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to ensure a prosperous Nigeria.

 

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