Former Zamfara State Governor and Chairman of the Board of Geregu Power Plc, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has issued a stern warning against compromising on security matters. Speaking at a security summit and fundraising event in Abuja on Tuesday, he emphasized that national safety is too critical to be treated with anything less than absolute priority.

Drawing from his personal experience as a former governor, Senator Yari noted that he was among the governors who dealt with the most severe security challenges in Nigeria.

He stressed that his time in office gave him firsthand insight into the complexities of fighting insecurity and the limitations of relying solely on government budgets.

Yari recalled his persistent efforts to secure support from the late President Muhammadu Buhari to address the rising insecurity in Zamfara State. He described himself as a constant advocate who frequently pushed the presidency for intervention, noting that he had warned early on that the security crisis would spread to neighboring states like Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, and beyond.

He noted that despite the best efforts of the former administration, the insecurity ultimately expanded across the Northwest and even reached into parts of the Niger Republic. He vividly recalled a tragic incident where support received from the Niger Republic led to an ambush that resulted in the deaths of 32 gallant soldiers in Zurmi, Zamfara State.

The Senator emphasized that while the primary responsibility of the government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens, the government cannot achieve this goal in isolation. He argued that the fight against insecurity requires the collective support and collaboration of all stakeholders, both public and private.

Addressing the audience at the Kogi State Security summit, Yari urged private and public institutions to rally behind the Kogi State Security Trust Fund.

He underscored that investments in security are essential for creating an environment where businesses can thrive and the economy can grow.

Yari’s message served as a call to action, highlighting that when a state is secure, it paves the way for stability and prosperity for all its residents. He encouraged other states to adopt similar collaborative models to strengthen their internal security frameworks.

The former governor reaffirmed that security should never be compromised, as it remains the bedrock upon which all other development initiatives are built. His speech reflected a deep concern for national safety and a call for proactive engagement to tackle the persistent security challenges facing the country.