Tambuwal to Tinubu: Put security before politics

From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto

Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Thursday urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise tackling Nigeria’s worsening insecurity over political activities.

Tambuwal said that the protection of lives and property remains the government’s foremost constitutional responsibility.

He made the call during a sympathy visit to Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where he commiserated with victims of recent bandit attacks and families displaced by the violence.

Addressing residents, the former governor lamented the recurring attacks across Sokoto State and other parts of the country, stressing that meaningful development cannot be achieved in the absence of security.

“This is the time the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should focus on the number one responsibility of government as enshrined in the Constitution, the security of lives and property. The President, his team and his party should devote their energy to addressing insecurity rather than engaging in electioneering activities.”

Tambuwal urged the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to redirect the administration’s focus towards restoring peace across the country.

“It is only when people are safe and secure that they can fully benefit from roads and other infrastructure,” he added.

The senator also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that every genuine initiative capable of improving security should be embraced despite concerns that the system could be abused by some state governments.

“Yes, we are in opposition in Sokoto State, but I supported state police because I believe every genuine effort aimed at restoring security should be encouraged. It is only when there is security that there can be meaningful development,” he said.

He said that he had consistently advocated stronger security measures since his days as a member of the House of Representatives.

As part of his visit, the former governor announced a donation of N10 million to families displaced by the recent attacks in Bodinga and another N10 million to victims of a similar attack in Tureta Local Government Area.

“I hereby support our brothers and sisters displaced by these unfortunate attacks in Bodinga with the sum of 10 million, and I extend the same support to those displaced in Tureta as we work with NEMA to provide relief.”