A recent trip by several northern Nigerian state governors to the United States for a security symposium has sparked public outrage. The symposium, organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), aimed to address the ongoing security challenges plaguing the region. However, critics have condemned the trip as insensitive and extravagant, particularly given the dire state of affairs within Nigeria.
Leading the criticism is former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido. He questions the priorities of these leaders who left their states grappling with insecurity to attend a foreign symposium.
Lamido further argues that the governors displayed a fundamental misunderstanding of the Nigerian constitution. Security, he emphasizes, falls under the exclusive list of federal government responsibilities.
The crux of Lamido’s criticism lies in the governors’ seeming disregard for pressing domestic issues. He highlights critical problems like lack of clean drinking water, overflowing garbage dumps, and inadequate school infrastructure. These issues, he argues, all have security implications that the governors appear to overlook.
Lamido goes on to criticize the lavish nature of the trip. He mentions instances of a governor throwing money from a vehicle, a display he considers insensitive given the widespread poverty plaguing the region. He contends that the money spent on travel and accommodation could have been better utilized within their respective states.
Lamido proposes alternative solutions. He suggests that Nigerian institutions like the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) or the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) could have provided valuable insights on security challenges. He assigns blame to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Intelligence Agency for failing to properly advise the governors.
The governors’ actions, according to Lamido, paint a deplorable image of Nigeria on the international stage. He expresses his disappointment in the lack of leadership and empathy displayed by these officials. Lamido’s critique reflects a broader sentiment of frustration amongst the Nigerian populace. The seemingly out-of-touch actions of their leaders during a time of national crisis add to the sense of disillusionment.
