Shema Seeks National Unity Against Insecurity

A former Katsina State governor, Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, has called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity, urging the citizens to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Katsina State governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, as they work to address the country’s economic and security challenges.

Shema made the plea at the commissioning of Tinubu/DIkko women and youth centre for 2027 reelection committee on Monday in Katsina, the state capital.

The committee is expected to spearhead grassroots mobilisation for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state’s 361 wards and 34 local government areas.

Shema explained that leadership requires courage to make difficult decisions, noting that policies that may appear unpopular today could produce long-term benefits for the country.

“There is no doubt that leadership is very important. During election campaigns, promises are made, but when leaders assume office, they sometimes discover that not all those promises can be fulfilled within the available time.

“The most important thing is to do one’s best and take decisions that are right rather than decisions that are merely popular,” he said.

According to him, the economic and governance reforms being implemented by President Tinubu and Governor Radda are aimed at correcting long-standing structural problems affecting Nigeria, expressing confidence that the reforms would ultimately improve the economy, strengthen security and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.

“In the long run, the investments we are making in the management and governance of Nigeria will yield positive results. But we have to be patient. We have to trust Allah, trust our leaders and support them,” he said.

Shema also urged APC members across Katsina State and Nigeria to remain united behind President Tinubu, Governor Radda and all candidates of the ruling party, stressing that governance requires time to produce meaningful results.

He noted that reversing years of economic hardship and insecurity could not be achieved overnight.

Turning to the security situation, the former governor described insecurity as a national challenge that demands collective responsibility.

He stressed that no region is isolated from the country’s security challenges.

Shema said while governments have the responsibility of providing leadership, citizens must also play their part in ensuring peace, stability and national development.

“Leadership can provide the leading role, but followership must equally give its maximum contribution to ensure that this country becomes peaceful, secure and economically viable,” he said.

“It is not my place to speak about the opposition. Opposition parties will always criticise the government because that is their role. Nigerians will, in the end, determine who has served them better,” he added.

The former governor also praised Governor Radda for what he described as landmark development projects across Katsina State and commended President Tinubu’s reform agenda, expressing optimism that both administrations would deliver lasting benefits.

He called on Nigerians to continue praying for their leaders, noting that no human being is perfect and that solving Nigeria’s economic and security challenges requires time, patience and sustained support.

Also speaking at the event, Governor Radda announced the appointment of the member representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, as the Executive Chairman of the committee.

He said the campaign structure would operate under the patronage of former Governor Shema, whom he described as a committed party leader.

“On my behalf as the leader and governor of the state, I hereby inaugurate the Tinubu/Dikko Committee under the leadership of Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri.

“This centre was organised through the patron, former governor of the state, Barrister Shema, to support the re-election of President Tinubu, myself and all APC candidates from top to bottom,” Radda said.

The governor also prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and blessings for Shema, saying his contributions would further strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The inauguration of the Tinubu/Dikko Campaign Committee comes amid political realignments in Katsina State following the defection of several influential politicians, including Shema and Majigiri, to the APC.