Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has criticised politicians and commentators who weaponise the country's security challenges for political advantage, arguing that such behaviour deepens the divide between Nigeria's regions and distracts from genuine solutions.
Yusuf made this statement while pushing for what he called a "Bridge of Trust" between the North and South, a framework he believes can help the country move past the blame-shifting that has characterised national discourse on insecurity. He did not name specific politicians, but his comments come at a time when security failures in the North have become flashpoints in political debates, with southern leaders often criticising northern leaders for inadequate responses to banditry and terrorism.
The governor argued that turning security crises into political ammunition weakens national unity and prevents leaders from North and South from working together. He said the persistent insecurity plaguing northern Nigeria required a collaborative approach that transcended regional politics and tribal sentiments. Yusuf stressed that no single region could solve the problem alone and that the country needed dialogue across regional lines.
The "Bridge of Trust" proposal centres on bringing northern and southern political and traditional leaders to the table to discuss insecurity without the noise of partisan politics. Yusuf believes such engagement could generate practical solutions while rebuilding confidence between regions that have grown increasingly suspicious of each other's intentions.
Insecurity remains one of Nigeria's most pressing challenges, with banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions across the North. The crisis has forced some northern states to close schools and markets, while security forces struggle to contain the violence. Politicians from both regions have often blamed each other for the situation, with southerners accusing northern leaders of inaction and northerners pushing back against what they see as southern indifference to their suffering.
Yusuf's intervention signals an attempt to shift the conversation away from blame and towards regional cooperation. Whether other leaders will embrace the "Bridge of Trust" framework remains unclear, but the governor plans to engage with counterparts across the country to build support for the initiative.
