Former Abia State Governor and Distinguished Lawmaker representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has condoled with the government and people of Kebbi State over the unfortunate kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls and killing of the vice principal by bandits, describing the development as deeply painful.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Kalu expressed his heartfelt sympathy, stressing that preventive measures should be put in place to avoid similar occurrences.
The lawmaker used the opportunity to call for a shift in approach to the nation’s security, stressing that state governors must take greater responsibility for internal security rather than leaving everything to the Federal Government. According to him, many state executives are not investing the required time and resources despite the substantial fund allocations available to them.
Drawing from his experience as governor between 1999 and 2007, Kalu noted that he personally took charge of securing Abia State and even supported neighbouring states such as Anambra during periods of heightened insecurity. He emphasised that leadership at the state level must be proactive and hands-on, rather than reactive or overly dependent on federal government. “I never blamed President Obasanjo for one day as a governor,” he said. “I took the challenge in my hand to face out all criminals out of Abia State.”
The former governor called on the Senate to engage the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to ensure that governors are fully committed to supporting security agencies both financially and in operation. He insisted that internal security demands collaboration, vigilance at community levels, and consistent support to military and security formations. “Our governors have a lot of input to do,” Kalu stated.
“They should support the military not only in funds but in keeping our gates safe.”