The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has challenged Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, to be truthful about Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship, warning that farmers in affected areas cannot access their farmlands.
The monarch made the remarks during a visit by Yari to his palace in Katsina State earlier this week, according to a Hausa-language video of their conversation.
Usman urged political leaders to acknowledge the difficulties facing Nigerians and prioritise practical solutions to the country’s security and economic challenges.
“Director-General, you are now in a position of leadership. This is not just about this place; it concerns the entire country. We are all children of this nation, and we must stand for the truth,” the Emir said.
He expressed concern that insecurity was preventing farmers from accessing their farmlands, threatening their livelihoods and undermining agricultural production.
The monarch also criticised political practices centred on personal interests, political rivalries and attacks on opponents, arguing that leaders should focus on improving citizens’ welfare.
According to him, politics should be driven by consultation, persuasion and constructive engagement rather than insults, hatred and hostility.
Usman cautioned Yari against making statements that politicians know to be false in an attempt to gain public support, stressing the importance of honesty and accountability in leadership.
The Emir further raised concerns about the condition of industries in Kaduna State, citing DIC and the Peugeot company as examples of businesses whose reported decline warranted attention from political leaders and other influential stakeholders.
“If you go to Kaduna, look at the DIC and the Peugeot company. Where are they now? They have all collapsed. Why?” he asked.
He urged traditional rulers, politicians and other influential figures to speak out and take action to address the challenges confronting the region.
The monarch also drew on religious teachings from the Quran and the Bible to emphasise fairness, selflessness and the need for leaders to place the interests of others above personal gain.
Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State and serving senator, is leading the APC’s preparations for Tinubu’s proposed 2027 re-election campaign.
Tags
Politics