Security matters should not be compromised, Yari warns

The former Governor of Zamfara State and Chairman of the Board of Geregu Power Plc, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari has warned against compromising security matters. 

Yari, who recalled how he approached Late President Muhammadu Buhari for support in tackling the insecurity in his State, added that his experience battling insecurity in Zamfara showed that government budgets alone cannot end the crisis.

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the Kogi State Security summit and fund-raising event.

He said, “When you talk of security, you should not compromise. If I'm not mistaken, I am one of the few governors who have suffered the most in this country called Nigeria as far as insecurity is concerned.

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"No budget, no education is enough to curtail insecurity. There was a time I became a problem for the late President Buhari. When he sees me then, he would say: "What again?" I told him, I needed his support to tackle the security trouble in the Zamfara area. I also told him that my mind was not settled because I sensed that it was going to get to Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and other places. 

"He tried his best, but, before the end of my second term, the problem had gotten to the entire neighboring States like Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina. 

"It also extended to part of the Niger Republic. There was a time that we got support from the Niger Republic but they were ambushed and killed in Zurmi, a local government in Zamfara state and about 32 gallant soldiers died. I had to be there for their funeral.

"So, the issue of security is not something to be compromised. We know that the government is to protect the lives and properties of its citizens but the government needs our support.

He urged private and public institutions in the state to support the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, noting that when the state is safe and secure, businesses would thrive.