Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Prince Chibudom Nwuche, has called on traditional rulers and ethnic leaders across Nigeria to adopt a consistent and non-selective approach in condemning insecurity, irrespective of the political party or administration in power.
Nwuche made the call while commending the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, for speaking out against the worsening security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and their devastating consequences for agriculture, economic activities and industrial development.
He stressed that traditional rulers, as custodians of cultural heritage and respected community leaders, had a responsibility to speak truthfully and courageously on issues affecting the safety, welfare and livelihoods of their people.
According to him, the fight against insecurity should not be influenced by political affiliations, ethnic considerations or the identity of those in government, but should be driven by the need to protect lives, safeguard property and create an environment where citizens can pursue their legitimate businesses without fear.
Nwuche’s commendation of the Katsina monarch underscores the importance of traditional institutions in drawing attention to the security challenges confronting communities and urging relevant authorities to take decisive action.
In Northern Nigeria, persistent insecurity has disrupted farming activities in several communities, with farmers facing threats from banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. The situation has also affected food production, rural livelihoods, trade and the general economic well-being of affected populations.
The former Deputy Speaker noted that insecurity should be treated as a national concern requiring collective action rather than an issue to be approached along political or regional lines.
He maintained that traditional rulers and ethnic leaders should not remain silent when communities are threatened, stressing that their voices could help draw government attention to the plight of affected citizens and encourage the adoption of lasting solutions.
Nwuche also emphasised the importance of consistency in public advocacy, arguing that leaders who speak against insecurity should maintain the same position regardless of changes in political leadership.
He noted that selective condemnation could undermine public confidence in traditional institutions and weaken collective efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
The SSDC chairman’s position comes amid continuing concerns over the effects of insecurity on livelihoods, investment and development in different parts of Nigeria.
Beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, insecurity has far-reaching implications for economic growth, particularly in communities that depend heavily on agriculture, commerce and small-scale industries.
When farmers cannot safely access their farmlands, food production suffers. Similarly, businesses and investors are less likely to operate effectively in environments where kidnapping, violent attacks and other criminal activities threaten lives and investments.
Nwuche’s appeal therefore highlights the need for traditional institutions, governments, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to work together towards restoring peace and confidence in affected communities.
He also called for a more united national response to insecurity, stressing that the protection of citizens should remain a shared responsibility that transcends political differences.
The Emir of Katsina has previously raised concerns about the impact of insecurity on farming communities, warning that fear of attacks and abductions could prevent farmers from accessing their farmlands and undermine agricultural development.
In 2019, the monarch urged the Federal Government to address insecurity and promote peaceful relations between farmers and herders, noting that agricultural programmes would achieve little if farmers could not safely cultivate their lands.
Nwuche’s appeal reinforces the argument that Nigeria’s traditional rulers and ethnic leaders have an important role to play in promoting peace, holding public authorities accountable and encouraging sustained action against insecurity.
As the country continues to grapple with security challenges in different regions, the call for consistent and impartial condemnation of violence highlights the need for a common front in protecting lives, strengthening public confidence and supporting sustainable national development.