The Katsina State Elders Forum, KSEF, has voiced worries about the way the federal government is handling security, the state of the economy, and the alleged LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) policies.
Malam Aliyu Mohammed, the secretary of the forum, described the serious problems Katsina State is facing at a news conference and urged immediate federal action.
KSEF bemoaned the continuous threats to life across 12 local governments in the state and chastised the federal government for its weak response to the bandits’ constant threats.
“We have tried as much as possible and have complained severally to the Federal Government to complement what the state government is doing to protect lives and property in our dear state. The Federal government has not lived up to expectations. These hoodlums keep on killing our people, burning their properties, claiming their farms, and destroying their houses.”
“If you are travelling, you are not sure of coming back. If you leave home, you are not sure of coming back to meet your people safe. And it is really unfortunate that the so-called Defence Ministers are from the North. We don’t know what they are doing. They have not done enough to protect the North. And it is unfortunate that these killers are only in this part of the country. We are really disturbed.
“They have killed hundreds of people in Katsina. No body, none of the ministers or the president deemed it fit to come and condole the people of Katsina State and provide some succour to cushion the impact on the victims. That’s why you see a lot of beggars everywhere. This is as a result of this banditry.
“The Katsina State Governor has done his best. He floated the Security Watch Corps and they are doing their best. But unfortunately, the community corps are not allowed to handle sophisticated weapons like the bandits. The soldiers are not helping matters. So, we don’t know where the problem is. We are yet to understand the problem. What is happening? Who is behind this banditry? The Federal Government has to explain why our soldiers can go elsewhere in other countries and perform miracles, and restore peace, but not in the northern part of the country?
“We are calling on the federal government to come up with immediate measures. Let them introduce jungle battalions. Put these soldiers in the forest, let them remain there and fight the bandits. The bandits are known and they also know where they are. We are calling on Mr President to please save the North, for goodness sake. Save Katsina State.”
Strong displeasure was also expressed by the group regarding the supposed recent federal acts regarding LGBT rights that the Budget Minister is said to have signed.
“Katsina State vehemently objects to this arrangement because we are 98 percent Muslims. Even Christianity is against this same-sex marriage. We are begging Mr. President to reverse this decision with immediate effect. Nigerians are not happy and everybody is crying.”
He pleaded with President Tinubu to address these problems head-on and to think about recruiting advisors who can do a better job.
