The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has said the security situation in the State is not as bad as the headlines picture it. He noted that although there are security challenges, investments are still safe and protected in the State.
The Governor spoke on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital as a participant in ‘Fountain Summit 2021’, an economic and investment summit organised by the Ekiti State government and chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Giving an insight into the security problem, the Governor explained that it appears intractable partly because of the declining number of security personnel in the country. He advocated for a multi layered police force that will encompass effective federal, State and local government components.
We do not have enough members of the armed forces and the police. “For instance, when I came on board there were more than 13,000 policemen in Kaduna State. Today, they are down to about 11,000. Yet out of this number, about 2,000 will be attached to big men and women to carry their bags.”
Rufai opined that only a collective approach from all Nigerian will put an end to insecurity, warning that the “us versus them mentality” in some places must be changed. He emphasised that insecurity must be seen as a problem for everybody.
Speaking on the economy and human capital resource of his State, the Governor recommended constant training of the work force and removal of dead woods to create room for young people and fresh ideas. He said the actions required courage, sincerity and timeliness on the part of the leader.
El-Rufai disclosed that his administration has sacked about 40,000 workers. He however added that their sack made way for the engagement of about 45,000 younger and more efficient others.
Giving a lead on the face off between him and organised labour in the State, the Governor said labour leaders by their nature are only concerned with the interest of their members, and not with overall interest of the larger society.
He urged Governors to always act in the public interest. He cautioned that when they need to take painful decisions, they are better taken immediately they assume office, because people may forget at election time.
