The former minister of information, Mr Labaran Maku has called on State Governors to utilise security votes to generate employment for Nigerian youths.
Maku made the call at his country home of Wakama Community of Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The former minister who is also the National Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said security vote to states is huge and if properly utilised, would establish small scale industries that could engage thousands of youths.
Maku said that he is aware that his own state of Nasarawa has been collecting N300 million monthly as a security vote.
He added that if such monies is properly utilised to empower the populace, it would make the youth unavailable for crime thereby reducing the increasing rate of insecurity.
“Whenever crime and insecurity is in the increase, it means that the leaders have failed in their responsibilities.
“If the leaders priorities the welfare of their people and are up and doing, the rate of vices, crime and insecurity would reduce,” Maku noted.
He further said that no country or society can develop in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“What most Northerners prays for daily now is to be secured from bandits, kidnappers as well as other criminals and not development.
“The region has degenerate below development now and the people only pray to be alive as they go about their daily activities,” Maku said
He challenged Nigerians to elect capable leaders who have the fear of God.
Maku also tasked leaders, to be honest and lead with the fear of God in order to return the country to glorious days.
“The glorious days where people will travel to all parts of the country without fear of being attacked.”
Maku, therefore, expressed optimism that; “It is still possible to tackle the numerous challenges bedeviling the country if the quality of leadership is improved.“
PIAK
