Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has issued a powerful charge to media practitioners across Nigeria, urging them to reawaken the nation's political leaders and security chiefs to their fundamental duty of protecting citizens from escalating banditry and violence.
Media's Crucial Role in National Security
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Kano NUJ Correspondents' Chapel at the Government House on Tuesday, the deputy governor emphasized that journalists carry the critical responsibility of mounting pressure on authorities at all levels to confront the security threats paralyzing the nation.
Gwarzo expressed deep concern that those managing Nigeria's security architecture are failing to sufficiently deploy available technologies to combat bandits and terrorists. While acknowledging the capability and intelligence of Nigeria's security agencies, he questioned why the country continues to struggle with effectively harnessing modern tools to counter insurgency.
Technology Gap in Security Operations
The former labour leader delivered a stark comparison that highlights Nigeria's security challenges. "Bandits today use sophisticated technology to attack our communities, while our government has yet to wake up to this reality," Gwarzo stated during the engagement.
He further emphasized: "Nigeria is not using technology substantially in tackling security threats. Other nations deploy technological know-how to address their challenges, yet we are not doing the same. The media must mount pressure on the authorities to act."
Gwarzo painted a troubling picture of the current atmosphere in Nigeria, noting that "nobody can travel successfully without praying hard" and that "nobody is sure of what will happen next." He revealed that even political leaders are not immune to the pervasive fear gripping the nation.
Call for Media Vigilance and United Action
The deputy governor specifically called on Correspondents' Chapels across the nation to take up the task of pushing for concrete action against insecurity. He stressed that journalists must intensify their scrutiny of governance and security responses to draw government attention to the mounting security crisis.
Although Kano remains one of the more peaceful states in northern Nigeria, Gwarzo acknowledged being disturbed by reports of bandit attacks in communities bordering Katsina State. He called for a united effort between authorities and the media to confront these security challenges effectively.
During the meeting, Murtala Adewale, Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, reaffirmed the journalists' commitment to holding those in authority accountable and setting a constructive agenda for society's overall well-being.
The deputy governor commended the Chapel for sustaining a constructive relationship with the state government while challenging them to expand their watchdog role in addressing the national security emergency.
