Governor Radda attends Yar’adua University pre-convocation lecture as former Supreme Court Justice Sanusi outlines legal path to improved security in Katsina

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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda Friday attended the Pre-Convocation Lecture at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, ahead of the institution’s 14th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for today.

The event drew Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, lecturers, political leaders, elders, and members of the business community.

The lecture, delivered under the theme, “Law and Its Significance in Combating Terrorism, Kidnapping, and Other Anti-Social Activities in the North: A Critical Review of Katsina State,” focused on strategies to address rising insecurity in the region.

Delivering the lecture, Hon. Justice Amiru Sanusi, JSC (Rtd.), described insecurity as one of the greatest challenges confronting Katsina State and the northern region.

He identified the farmers-herders crisis and the rise of armed banditry as major threats to lives, property, and economic activities.

Justice Sanusi emphasized the role of the law in combating terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes, citing the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as key federal statutes addressing terrorism financing and related offences.

“At the state level, the Penal Code Law of Katsina State 2021 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2021 serve as important legal tools for prosecuting criminal cases and strengthening the justice system,” he said.

The retired Supreme Court Justice, however, highlighted challenges affecting the effectiveness of these laws, including legal ambiguities, delays in court processes, corruption, weak governance, and poor enforcement.

He also pointed to weak security infrastructure, human rights concerns, and porous borders that enable cross-border crimes.

Justice Sanusi recommended stronger enforcement of existing laws and the amendment of outdated provisions, while calling for improved institutions, governance, and transparency in public administration.

“Security challenges cannot be addressed by force alone. There is a need for community-centred strategies and socio-economic interventions that address the root causes of insecurity,” he added.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UMYU, Professor Shehu Salihu Muhammad, welcomed participants, describing the pre-convocation lecture as a key intellectual component of the university’s convocation activities.

“This platform provides an opportunity for critical engagement on issues affecting national development, security, and the role of higher institutions in society,” Professor Muhammad said.

He noted that the lecture was timely, given persistent threats to peace, stability, and socio-economic development in the North-West and across the country.

Professor Muhammad highlighted that the lecture would offer insights into legal frameworks, institutional responses, and practical strategies for addressing insecurity, while reinforcing the importance of the rule of law.

He further commended UMYU’s progress in academic programmes, infrastructure development, and community engagement, made possible with support from the Katsina State Government and other stakeholders.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Pre-Convocation Committee, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, described the lecture as highly significant, noting that security is fundamental for stability, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.

“The protection of lives, property, and institutions is essential for national unity and economic progress. Lasting peace requires justice, inclusive governance, and a secure environment for all citizens,” Ambassador Rufai said.

He observed that factors such as poverty, weak governance, environmental challenges, and extremist tendencies have contributed to rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts.

Ambassador Rufai stressed that military action alone cannot provide lasting solutions.

He called for stronger rule of law, resilient institutions, and policies promoting justice, dialogue, and inclusive development across the region.

The event was attended by the Chancellor of the University, Senator Ibrahim Ida; former President of the 74th United Nations General Assembly, Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; Chief Judge of the State Justice Musa Danladi; Members of the Katsina State Executive Council; and representatives of traditional institutions.