An epitome of prudent management of public resources, transparency, accountability, due process and rule of law, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, in just his first 100 days in office is turning around the fortune and glory of Katsina state. He is executing people oriented policies and projects that are positively touching the lives of the people in all sectors in fulfillment of his campaign promises despite paucity of funds and high inflation.
The former director-general of SMEDAN, Mallam Dikko, is a man of his words and amazingly bold. He means every word he says and goes for it. His statements are never taken for granted as they are astonishingly translated into action for the good of the people.
Dr Dikko has demonstrated an unequal skill in transforming the entire institutional framework of governance, employing in its wake, the reports of various transition committees whose roadmap and blueprint have accounted for the phenomenal developmental landmarks widely acclaimed by political pundits as best-ever in the state’s history.
Specifically, Article II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria vests the executive power of the state in the governor and charges them with the execution of state laws. In view of the foregoing, the primary responsibility of any government is first the security of lives and property. The Radda administration inherited a state bedeviled by ravaging insecurity.
In his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, Governor Radda said, “Over the next four years, our task as government is to provide peace and prosperity for the people of Katsina state. The insecurity issues will be paramount for this administration, and we will deploy all available resources to end banditry and criminality across the state. We will also engage communities in this fight to ensure that security is sustained.
“To those affected by banditry and insecurity, I assure you that my administration will do its best to rebuild your lives. We will also focus on your mental well-being and provide special support to women and girls who have endured unimaginable pain.
“To the bandits, I say abandon your cause and reintegrate into society or face the full wrath of the law. I urge our youths to shun drug abuse, time-wasting, and criminality. We will work with relevant law enforcement agencies to promote social order and overall security in the state”.
Security is one of the main pillars of the Radda administration. In the last 100 days, he has invested in providing the necessary equipment to security agencies to carry out their duties in Katsina state. The government has also employed various strategies to tackle security challenges in the state including initiating measures for more effective intelligence gathering and policing the entry and exit points of the state.
Radda, an architect of peace building, reaffirmed his administration’s pledges as regards restoring peace, and protecting the lives and property of the people of Katsina state. The governor set the ball rolling by establishing a Ministry of Internal Security. Prior to this, he had visited the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja aimed at building security-centered synergy on how banditry and other kidnapping-related activities in Katsina state would be brought to an end.
Determined to fight security challenges in the state headlong, the state government sent an executive bill, the Katsina Community Watch Bill, to the legislature. The bill when signed into law will enable the government to recruit 2400 security corps that would be sent to the frontline local government areas to maintain peace and order.
A committee headed by Major General Junaid Bindawa, rtd, was set up to handle the recruitment. To this end, the governor visited the Defence Headquarters, Abuja where he interfaced with the service chiefs on security issues affecting Katsina state. He also convened stakeholders meetings comprising traditional rulers, village heads and religious leaders as well as heads of security agencies on feasible approaches to ending insecurity in the state.
The Radda government approved an unprecedented N7.8 billion for the purchase of security equipment to combat banditry and other criminalities in the state. The governor signed the Security Challenges Containment Order, which bars operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in the state from 8pm to 6am in 19 local government areas prone to terrorist attacks. The order also bars trucks carrying firewood and cattle from the forest from operating at night while the sale of cattle in Safana, Batsari, Faskari, and Sabuwa local government areas have been suspended indefinitely.
He also personally led security operatives to raid criminal hideouts in the state capital. The battle to keep Katsina state safe is key to promoting investors’ confidence interest in the state. The governor’s gospel of security as everyone’s business makes the state safe and conducive for investment, development and progress.
Governor Radda’s quick security wins in 100 days clearly show great sense responsibility, exceptional courage, sincerity of purpose and diligent service to Katsina, distinguishing him as an icon etched permanently in the annals of creative and legendary leaderships.
Danyaro writes from Abuja via [email protected]
