Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has criticized the recent trip of Northern governors to the United States, labeling it as a display of ignorance regarding Nigeria’s constitution.
Lamido’s remarks come in response to the governors’ participation in a two-day symposium on Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria, organized by the United States Institute of Peace from April 23 to April 25, 2024.
Lamido expressed dismay that the governors chose to discuss matters of insecurity, which fall under the exclusive legislative list of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, during their trip. He said that engaging in discussions on security matters without a comprehensive understanding of the constitution reflects poorly on the governors’ competence.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Lamido remarked, “Security is a very wide subject which their excellencies must have the capacity to grasp.” He highlighted pressing issues within their states, such as the lack of portable drinking water in urban areas and inadequate infrastructure in schools.
The former governor suggested alternative avenues for seeking insight into security challenges, such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru or the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria in Badagry, rather than embarking on costly international trips.
Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, defended the trip, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. However, Lamido disagreed, branding the summit as wasteful, considering the prevailing domestic issues.
Lamido further criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Intelligence Agency for failing to provide proper guidance to the governors, attributing the perceived folly to their oversight.
He lamented on the negative image projected by Nigeria and Nigerians due to the governors’ actions, stating, “Nigeria and Nigerians now carry the image of ‘advancing our shame and embarrassment beyond our frontiers’ caused by their Excellencies.”
