- Vice President Kashim Shettima and northern governors highlighted the link between corrupt governance and pervasive insecurity during the Ahmadu Bello Foundation lecture
- The leaders emphasized the deviation from the legacy of accountability set by Sardauna, citing corruption as a fundamental cause of insecurity
Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside northern governors, highlighted the direct link between corrupt governance and the pervasive insecurity plaguing the North and Nigeria as a whole. This revelation came during their presentations at the 10th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation lecture and award hosted by Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri on Saturday.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Hakeem-Baba Ahmed, the vice president emphasized that today’s leaders have deviated from the legacy of accountability, fairness, and integrity set by Sardauna. He pointed to corruption among leaders as a fundamental cause of insecurity, stating that leaders cannot combat theft, banditry, and kidnapping if they engage in corruption themselves.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum echoed these sentiments, attributing the country’s inability to get things right to corruption. He urged leaders to prioritize good governance as a solution to the challenges.
The guest speaker, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, called on policymakers to address the abuse of power and insecurity challenges facing the country. He highlighted the value of teamwork, resilience, and commitment to qualitative education, agriculture, and infrastructural development, emphasizing why Sardauna is celebrated.
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, asserted that good governance is the key to addressing insecurity in the region and the country. The event recognised individuals like Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, Aisha Muhammed Nahuce, Professor Deborah Eniho, and Adams David Baiki with awards from the foundation.
Looking ahead, the 11th Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture will be hosted by Bauchi State in 2025.