Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has issued a strong warning to politicians and troublemakers against overheating the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his administration will firmly resist any attempt to destabilize the state.
The governor also vowed to clamp down on vandals and individuals collaborating with criminal gangs through the supply of information, describing informants as a grave threat to ongoing efforts to restore peace in parts of the state affected by insecurity.
Governor Aliyu made the declaration on Wednesday while paying the traditional Eid-el-Kabir Sallah homage to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace in Sokoto.
Speaking during the visit, the governor stressed that Sokoto State must not be dragged into political violence, bitterness and unnecessary tension as political activities gradually intensify across the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, peace and security remain fundamental to development and economic progress, warning that the government would not sit back and allow selfish interests to undermine the relative stability being enjoyed in the state.
“We will not fold our arms and allow unpatriotic citizens to jeopardize the peaceful coexistence being enjoyed in Sokoto State,” Governor Aliyu declared.
The governor noted that his administration had committed substantial public resources to infrastructure and development projects across the state, insisting that such investments must be protected from sabotage and destruction.
“We will deal decisively with anyone found vandalising public infrastructure,” he warned.
“These projects are funded with taxpayers’ money and must be protected by all well meaning citizens.”
Governor Aliyu further reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen security operations in communities battling banditry and other violent crimes, saying the fight against insecurity requires collective action and closer collaboration between citizens, traditional rulers and security agencies.
He particularly condemned the activities of informants aiding criminal gangs, describing them as more dangerous than the bandits themselves.
“We need to come together and stop the informant syndrome if we are to succeed in defeating bandits,” he said.
“The informants are even more dangerous than the bandits because banditry cannot thrive without local collaborators.”
The governor disclosed that his administration would soon transmit a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly seeking stricter punishment for individuals found aiding or supplying intelligence to criminal elements terrorising communities.
He also commended security agencies for their sacrifices and commitment toward restoring peace in troubled areas of the state.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged political actors across the country to embrace issue-based politics and avoid campaigns rooted in hatred, division and hostility as the countdown to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
The revered monarch stressed the need for leaders and their supporters to place national unity and public interest above personal ambition.
The Sultan also praised Governor Aliyu for executing what he described as impactful and people oriented projects across Sokoto State, particularly in the areas of religious and educational development.
“We are proud of you, our governor, and proud of what you are doing for our people,” the Sultan stated.
He urged residents to continue supporting government programmes aimed at promoting peace, development and social stability across the state.
The royal father later hosted Governor Aliyu, former governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the deputy governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly and other dignitaries to a special Eid-el-Kabir luncheon at the palace.
