THE Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has announced that his administration has created over 5,000 jobs for youths within two years in office, countering opposition claims that no new employment had taken place in the state’s civil service.
Speaking during a meeting with a political group in Birnin Kebbi, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We will not promise what we cannot deliver, nor claim what we have not done,” Idris said.
He provided a breakdown of the employment figures: 2,000 youths were hired as teachers, over 1,500 as healthcare workers, and others as lawyers and professionals in various sectors.
He emphasized that all positions are verifiable and open to public scrutiny.
In response to the recent spike in deadly armed banditry attacks in southern Kebbi, Governor Idris pledged to mobilize significant state resources to safeguard lives and livelihoods under threat.
“If the activities of these bandits persist, I will not hesitate to deploy substantial funds to confront the menace,” he stated, adding, “I will do whatever is humanly possible to protect the lives of the people, even if it means emptying the state treasury.”
The governor made these remarks after receiving a delegation led by the Emir of Zuru, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II, who presented a “save-our-soul” appeal following a deadly attack in Tadurga town.
Governor Idris blamed the persistent security challenges on inadequate personnel, a shortage of sophisticated weapons, limited military special units, and the complex geographical terrain of Kebbi, which borders the Republics of Niger and Benin, as well as the Nigerian states of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger—areas also plagued by insecurity.
He revealed plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu to present urgent security proposals, hoping for federal intervention to curb the violence.
The Emir of Zuru, while appreciating the state government’s developmental projects, warned that continued attacks could lead to mass displacement across major towns in the emirate.
He noted that lives and properties were lost in the recent violence, and called for urgent, decisive action.
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Idris has tackled security concerns with support from the Defence Headquarters, providing over 50 Hilux vehicles and 2,000 motorcycles to security agencies including the police, DSS, NSCDC, and local vigilantes.
The governor affirmed that peace and security remain top priorities, urging critics to base their assessments on facts rather than political narratives.