Stop politicising security, Umahi tells Nigerians

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Thursday, cautioned against politicising insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that the security challenges facing the country did not originate under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Umahi made the remarks during a town hall meeting organised by the Gombe State Government shortly after the official unveiling of the proposed Gombe Super Highway project. The minister criticised what he described as attempts by some politicians to use insecurity as a political tool, particularly ahead of elections. “When people talk about insecurity, especially extreme politicians, and insult the President as if insecurity just started within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is very unfortunate,” Umahi said. According to him, security is a collective responsibility and should not be reduced to partisan politics. “Security is the job of everyone. Security should not be politicised. Why is it that anytime we are approaching elections, there is heightened insecurity? It is very unfair. Anyone who takes the life of another person under any guise, God is watching. “If anyone has a hand in insecurity because the person wants power, God will resist such a person. We stand with the President, we pray for him, and this phase will pass. We will overcome,” he added. Umahi also prayed for the safe return of persons recently abducted in different parts of the country. The minister expressed confidence in the leadership of Tinubu and Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, commending the developmental strides recorded under the All Progressives Congress (APC). “I am delighted that Gombe is an APC state. I am proud of the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and proud of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The achievements of the APC government give us confidence that we are moving in the right direction,” he said. He noted that despite prevailing challenges, the administration remained committed to infrastructure development and economic growth. “We have witnessed remarkable achievements by the governor, and I commend him for his efforts. Nigeria is one united country, and we must continue to work together for development,” Umahi stated. The minister disclosed that there has never been a time Governor Yahaya approached the Federal Government on a development matter and was turned down, describing the relationship between the governor and President Tinubu as cordial and productive. Speaking on the newly announced Gombe Super Highway, Umahi said construction would commence within the next 30 days. He explained that the project, which forms part of