The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has cautioned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State against turning issues of insecurity into political points, urging the state government to face the mounting challenges undermining Kano’s stability and prosperity.
The statement, issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, came in response to allegations by the Kano State Government that Senator Barau recently made remarks capable of sabotaging ongoing security efforts. The claim was reportedly made at the end of the 34th State Executive Council Meeting, presided over by Governor Abba.
But Senator Barau pushed back firmly, calling the allegation false, reckless, and malicious. He argued that insecurity in Kano—and across Nigeria—demands unity, collaboration, and seriousness from all stakeholders, not political rivalry.
“Produce the Clip,” Barau Challenges Kano Govt
Reacting to the government’s accusations, Senator Barau challenged state officials to present any evidence that he ever made a statement capable of jeopardizing security operations.
“There was no time Senator Barau uttered any statement capable of undermining security efforts,” the statement read. “Instead, he has consistently worked with relevant authorities to tackle insecurity in Kano and across Nigeria.”
Barau’s media office described the state government’s claims as an attempt to tarnish the Deputy Senate President’s reputation, insisting that fabricating false narratives should not replace responsible governance.
“Wake Up and Lead Kano Back to Prosperity”
In a sharp critique of the governor’s performance, Barau accused the state government of allowing governance to slip into disarray, saying the consequences are already visible in Kano’s diminishing economic status.
“Kano used to be a very close second to Lagos in terms of prosperity,” he said. “Misgovernance has eroded this position. We have everything needed to restore our past glory, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction.”
The Deputy Senate President urged Governor Abba to “wake up from slumber” and focus on delivering the leadership Kano urgently requires.
Barau Highlights His Contributions to Strengthening Security
Drawing from his personal interventions, Senator Barau emphasised that he has not only been vocal about security challenges but has also backed his concerns with tangible actions.
To bolster security operations in Kano North Senatorial District and beyond, he has:
- Donated operational vehicles to all police formations in the district and additional units across the state.
- Provided motorcycles to policemen serving in Kano North to aid mobility and rapid response.
- Renovated key facilities at the Kano State Police Headquarters.
- Constructed new police stations in various communities.
- Supported the DSS with logistics and infrastructure upgrades.
In addition, the Deputy Senate President facilitated the establishment of major security training institutions in the state, including:
- The NSCDC Training College in Gwarzo,
- The Police Service Commission Training Institute in Kabo, and
- The Nigeria Immigration Service Training School in Bichi—all currently under construction.
These projects, he said, are meant to improve security capacity, create jobs, and enhance federal presence in Kano State.
Solar Streetlights for Safer Communities
Barau also noted that he installed solar-powered streetlights across the entire Kano North Senatorial District and parts of other zones to support night patrols and deter criminal activity. According to him, improved lighting has already strengthened surveillance efforts and restored confidence in several communities.
“These investments show the depth of Senator Barau’s commitment to Kano’s security,” the statement added. “The state government should emulate him rather than attempt to discredit his person.”
“Security Requires Unity, Not Political Battles”
Senator Barau reiterated that the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and violent extremism cannot succeed without teamwork. He stressed that leaders must avoid divisive rhetoric that undermines trust among security agencies, citizens, and political actors.
“Insecurity challenges, including the incursion of bandits into parts of Kano, demand the collaboration of all stakeholders,” he said. “This is not a time for political distractions.”
He called on the Abba administration to prioritize real governance, transparency, and responsible leadership, instead of creating narratives that shift blame or fuel political tension.
Looking Ahead
The exchange between both leaders comes at a time when Kano is grappling with increasing security threats, ranging from rural bandit attacks to urban criminal activity. Analysts say the situation requires decisive leadership from the state government and strong coordination with federal authorities.
Senator Barau’s latest statement positions him as both a critic and a contributor—pressuring the governor while highlighting his own interventions as a model for responsive leadership.
Whether the Kano State Government will present the alleged evidence or backtrack on its claims remains to be seen. But what appears clear is that citizens are calling for stability, cooperation, and a unified front against insecurity.
For now, Senator Barau insists his focus remains on “supporting all efforts to ensure peace and restore Kano’s lost glory.