Nigerians have been urged to reject politicians that cherish violence and urged for sustained prayers for Nigeria’s security agencies in their bold efforts in making Nigeria safe and secure.
The call was made by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State on Saturday during the 2026 Yaumul Shukur, the annual Thanksgiving Day marking the 1934 merger of Katsina and Daura Provinces.
Governor Radda said security is a collective duty that must rise above politics and personal ambition.
“This is not just a gathering. It is a tradition of gratitude set by our founding fathers. That is why we mark August 1 every year as Yaumul Shukur, to thank Allah and seek His protection for our state,” he said.
In a statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Gov Radda on Saturday, Gov Radda described Katsina as a blessed state, citing the contributions of its sons and daughters at home and abroad.
He paid tribute to former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, and to jurists and scholars from Katsina and Daura including Justice Muhammadu Bello, Justice Mamman Nasir, Justice Umaru Abdullahi as well as generations of distinguished scholars for upholding integrity and justice.
Governor Radda noted that while governments come and go, Katsina remains and must be protected by all citizens.
“We have recruited, trained and equipped the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to support conventional security agencies. We will use every lawful means to protect lives and property,” he stated.
He commended the military, police and the Watch Corps for recent joint operations that neutralised more than 40 bandits, including a notorious kingpin.
The Governor warned against using killings for political gain.
“No one should use the death of innocent people to chase power. Human life is sacred. Security must come first,” he said.
Radda called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and citizens to keep praying for peaceful elections, unity and development.
Earlier, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Ishaq Shehu Dabai, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Khadi Ahmed Muhammad, said the event was a call for gratitude and support for government efforts on security and welfare.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, urged citizens to preserve the enduring legacy of unity and brotherhood inherited from Katsina-Daura forefathers.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, SSG Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Head of Service Alhaji Falalu Bawale, Chief of Staff Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, members of the Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries and other top officials.
