Former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani has spoken out about the North's role in the country's insecurity, stating that banditry and Boko Haram terrorism originated from the region. In a social media post, Sani said that criminal gangs from the North triggered banditry, which spread to other parts of the country. He also stated that Boko Haram terrorism started in the North and infected neighboring countries. Sani's comments were in response to Defence Minister Christopher Musa's recent statements about insecurity in the North.
Sani's outburst was triggered by the far North's pushback against Musa's comments. The minister had said many controversial things about insecurity in the North, particularly in his native Southern Kaduna. Sani's post was a scathing critique of the North's handling of the security situation, stating that the region's leaders had failed to address the issues. He also said that the North was not angry with the bandits and terrorists but rather with scapegoats and anyone who criticized their leaders.
Sani, a known ally of President Bola Tinubu, seemed to absolve the president of blame for the security failures. However, his comments also implied that the president and other leaders had failed to address the issues. Sani stated that the North had blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan and "skipped and pampered" former President Muhammadu Buhari, but was now blaming Tinubu for the security challenges.
The senator's comments have been seen as a call to action for the North to accept responsibility for its role in the country's insecurity. Sani stated that the North must stop treating uncomfortable diagnoses as attacks on the region and its privileges. He also said that the region must ask why its vast territories had become fertile soil for angry, armed young men.
Sani's post has been widely discussed, with many calling for the North to take a hard look at its role in the country's insecurity. A friend of the columnist Lasisi Olagunju who read Sani's post said it should be pasted on the walls of every political meeting room in the North. The post has also sparked a national conversation about the need for leaders to take responsibility for their actions.
The columnist, Lasisi Olagunju, has written extensively on the need for truth-telling in Nigeria. He referenced a book by Professor Niyi Osundare, "Truth Is Trouble," which explores the idea that truth can be bitter and often inflicts pain. Olagunju stated that Sani's comments were a call to action for the North to change and protect its people.
The conversation around Sani's post highlights the need for Nigeria's leaders to take responsibility for their actions. Sani's senatorial election is set for February 2027, and his comments may have implications for his political career. Ultimately, the North must confront the uncomfortable truths about its role in the country's insecurity and work towards finding solutions.
Key points
- Shehu Sani stated that banditry and Boko Haram terrorism originated from the North.
- Sani's comments were in response to Defence Minister Christopher Musa's recent statements about insecurity in the North.
- The senator's post has sparked a national conversation about the need for leaders to take responsibility for their actions.
