Katsina State Governor, Dikko Ummaru Radda, has rejected claims that Nigerian governors alone engage in corruption. He described the accusation as unfair and misleading.
Radda made the remarks during an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI). The interview later circulated widely on social media. According to him, corruption exists across many levels of society, not only among governors.
He said several individuals who never held offices as influential as governor still stole large sums of public funds.
Radda Challenges Critics of Governors
The governor questioned the moral authority of those who accuse governors of corruption. He argued that not everyone qualifies to judge others.
“Are governors the only thieves in Nigeria?” Radda asked. In contrast, he said law enforcement agencies have arrested people who stole amounts far smaller than a governor’s official earnings.
He warned Nigerians against insults and blanket accusations. According to him, leadership demands responsibility and seriousness.
Governor Emphasises Accountability
Radda said leaders must answer for their actions. Therefore, he stressed that accountability applies both to the people and to God.
“Leadership is a responsibility,” he said. “If you do not answer before people, you will answer before God.”
Moreover, the governor said Nigerians should judge leaders by how they use public resources. He added that effective service delivery remains the true measure of governance.
Radda Calls for Shared Responsibility on Security
On security, Radda said peace requires collective effort. In addition, he urged citizens to work with government agencies to tackle insecurity.
He explained that government action alone cannot guarantee safety. As a result, he described peace as a shared responsibility between leaders and citizens.
The governor said cooperation remains vital for national stability and development.
