Northern Leaders: Hypocrisy Amid Killings

Bandits and rogue herdsmen kidnapping, killing and dispossessing citizens of their properties is something that has become a daily occurence and the biggest security hoodoo in Nigeria’s history. One that the Buhari administration has failed to tackle for reasons most people believe is shrouded in tribalism.

The incessant killings by bandits across Nigeria and most particularly in the northern states is linked to land grabs, and often involves the kidnapping of ordinary citizens for ransom.

The terror unleashed by these criminal gangs appears to no longer be something that affects only people from afar. But rather unfortunately it’s coming closer to home and getting more brutal by the day.

The Killing of Alhaji Bashar Saidu Namaska

Every day in Nigeria, we hear of violent land grabs and kidnapping by bandits who seem to be carrying out their activities unchecked. However the killing of Bashar Saidu Namaska, who is the Sardauna of Kontagora and the heir apparent to the Kontagora Emirate throne is one too close to home.

We both attended the same University and graduated the same year from the great Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto.

Today, I paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Kontagora Emirate, HRH Alhaji Saidu Namaska Sarkin Sudan (CON), over the passing of his beloved, Alhaji Bashar Namaska (Sardaunar Kontagora). There I met Colonel Sani Bello expressing his condolences also. pic.twitter.com/uE2Vy6PbFv

— Rep. Abdullahi Idris Garba (AIG) (@Abdullahi_AIG) May 21, 2021

Bashar was killed on his father’s farm located at Masuga village on the Kontagora-Rijau road. His driver and some staff members also lost their lives as the bandits rampaged from one village to another. They killed innocent citizens and dispossessed them of their hard earned possessions.

The Hypocrisy of Northern Nigerian Leaders

The most appalling thing about the escalating insecurity situation in Nigeria is not just the inept handling by the Buhari government. It is the suffering and smiling approach of the Northern elites who seem to be avoiding criticising Buhari at all cost.

Many northern leaders were very vocal in their criticism of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, when Nigeria was much safer than it currently is. Ironically these same leaders appear to have suddenly retired and are no longer vocal. Which unfortunately smells of tribalism – the bane of the challenges we face as a country, and our greatest undoing.

Uniting Against Incompetence

Nigerians will continue to live with the fear of insecurity and uncertainty that can only further divide us. Unless northern leaders are willing to change their stance on blindly supporting politicians they perceive as one of their own. Especially when the person in question is incompetent.

It is about time we unite as a country against tribalism. We must also acknowledge the fact that Nigeria’s challenges can only be resolved when we get the best amongst us to lead and represent us regardless of their tribe or religion. Only then would we be able to reach and harness our potential as a country.

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I pray that the soul of my friend Bashar Namaska rests in peace. And that his evil killers would be caught and prosecuted someday. In a Nigeria devoid of tribal sentiments, nepotism and corruption.