Stop Politicising Insecurity, Barau Tells Kano Governor Amid Fierce War of Words

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has accused the Kano State Government of fabricating claims against him and warned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to stop turning security matters into political battles.

The clash erupted after the state government, following its 34th Executive Council Meeting, alleged that one of Barau’s recent comments could undermine ongoing security operations. Barau rejected the accusation, calling it “false, reckless and malicious,” and insisted that the fight against banditry and other threats in Kano demands unity, not political point-scoring.

Through a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau challenged the government to present evidence of the alleged remark.
“There was no time when Senator Barau uttered any statement capable of undermining security efforts,” the statement said. “The state government has relegated governance by concocting lies to tarnish the growing reputation of the Deputy President of the Senate.”

Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said he has consistently partnered with security agencies to address challenges across Kano. He again demanded proof from the government: “We challenge them to produce the clip in which the Deputy President of the Senate made any statement that could undermine security efforts.”

He accused Governor Yusuf of neglecting governance, arguing that Kano’s past status as one of Nigeria’s most prosperous states has been eroded by poor leadership.
“Until governance was relegated to the background, our beloved state used to be a very close second to Lagos,” he said. “We have everything necessary to restore the glorious days of our state, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction.”

Barau also outlined several security interventions he has supported, including vehicles for police units, motorcycles for officers in Kano North, renovations at the police headquarters, and the construction of multiple police stations. He also cited support for the DSS and the establishment of three major security training institutions—the NSCDC college in Gwarzo, the Police Service Commission training institute in Kabo, and the Immigration Service school in Bichi.

He further highlighted the installation of solar streetlights across several communities to aid night-time patrols.

The statement concluded by urging the Kano government to “focus on real governance” and emulate the senator’s contributions rather than, as it put it, disparage his character.