The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, has criticised the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it has brought “renewed hunger” instead of relief to citizens. He also accused politicians of putting personal interests ahead of public welfare.
The emir made the remarks when Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, visited his palace.
“ In my days, politics was about community. Now politics is about one man, his son, his wife, and his bank account. You call it ‘renewed hope’, but people in Katsina are in renewed hunger,” he said.
He accused politicians of abandoning traditional rulers and citizens after elections, only to return when seeking votes.
“Every four years you come to my palace with a cap in hand, asking for prayers, asking for support. After the election, you disappear to Abuja, to Lagos. You don’t come back until the next election,” he said.
The emir also questioned why APC members were fighting over tickets for the 2027 elections while insecurity continued to threaten communities.
“Your people are dying; you are fighting for a ticket,” he said.
He claimed banditry had forced about 52 schools to close and stopped farmers from reaching their farmlands in about 12 local government areas.
Citing notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, he challenged the government to act.
“You promised to handle security. Turji is in a forest 100km from here. Go and bring him, then come and campaign,” he said.
He warned that rice and cash handouts might not secure votes in 2027, recalling how Katsina voters split their votes in 2023.
“In 2027, if you bring the same selfish politics, they will collect but not vote for you,” he added.
