Northern Elites Must Act Now on Insecurity — Hashim
Presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has declared that Northern elites must act now on insecurity, insisting that leaders in the region cannot ignore the growing violence and kidnappings any longer.
Hashim made the call in a statement on Sunday while expressing strong support for the appointment of General Christopher Musa (rtd) as Minister of Defence. He said Musa demonstrated honesty, clarity, and genuine patriotism during his Senate screening.
“I watched General Musa speak with a clear understanding of the challenges,” Hashim said. “He comes across as someone committed to defending Nigeria. I hope he receives full executive backing to succeed.”
Hashim: Nigeria Needs Action, Not Speeches
Hashim stated that Nigerians are tired of promises. He stressed that citizens want visible action to stop the killings, abductions, and expansion of extremist networks across Northern Nigeria. According to him, many global security observers now view Nigeria’s situation with deep concern.
He warned that this period is not a time for symbolic statements. Hashim said Northern elites must engage directly with the problem rather than rely on federal authorities alone.
“Insecurity will not disappear because we issue press statements,” he said. “Northern elites must act now on insecurity by supporting reforms and facing uncomfortable truths.”
Local Policing and Leadership Accountability
He pushed for faster approval of laws that enable state and community-based policing. Hashim explained that centralised security cannot respond fast enough to local threats. He also gave examples of how communities lose control when criminal groups recruit young people due to poverty and weak governance.
Hashim said leaders in the North must confront issues such as unemployment, poor education reforms, and corruption in local systems. He stressed that extremist groups thrive where government presence is weak.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
He concluded that Northern elites must act now on insecurity by supporting Defence Minister Musa with political will, collaboration, and resources. He added that Nigerians expect measurable results, not another cycle of promises.
