Insecurity: It’s hypocrisy to criticise Jonathan, keep silent on Buhari government, says Yakasai

A former media aide to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, yesterday, said he remains unapologetic over his criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of security challenges across the country.

Salihu insisted it amounts to hypocrisy for him or anyone to criticise former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and exonerate Buhari on the issue.

Salihu was relieved of his job under Ganduje’s administration for constant criticism of the Federal Government’s disposition towards insecurity.

Salihu, who is currently the governorship candidate of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano, spoke when he was featured on The 2023 Dialogue Series, a media interactive programme with political aspirants, organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kano.

Asked about his relationship with Ganduje, after he was kicked out of office, Salihu said he still maintained a father-and-son relationship with his former principal.

The former Director General, Media and Publicity, at Government House, Kano, insisted he would never backstab Ganduje.

Salihu, one of the biological sons of elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai, said Nigerians must hold the number one citizen responsible for lapses in the security of life and property in the country.

Speaking on why he should be voted as governor under a minority party, Salihu said Kano residents are fed up and would no longer succumb to failed promises peddled by major political parties.

He expressed optimism that the electorate in Kano has resolved to vote for competence and capacity, which he possesses.

Reeling out his seven-point agenda to make Kano a centre of excellence, Salihu said the focus would be beamed on economic growth, innovative infrastructure, education, environment, public sector reform, peace and security.

He said: “We will make Kano an economic hub with increased production and value addition. Our government will also transform Kano into industrialisation. Although our challenge on energy has largely hindered economic growth, we shall invest in alternative energy to revive our industries.”

Salihu assured of his readiness to complete ongoing projects if voted into power but raised objections over white elephant projects.

He said: “I have no worry with continuity because the projects are for Kano people and not for a particular governor, although we would be mindful of some white elephant projects.

“With respect to the light rail project, I want to put it on record that it was Kwankwaso that started it and Ganduje decided to continue with it because it is a viable project.

“But my only challenge is the huge amount of money that would be borrowed for the project. The government wants to borrow $2 billion dollars. I don’t know why the government needs that huge amount when the actual amount that will complete the first corridor is around $500 million.”