Former Niger State Governor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SAMF), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has raised alarm over escalating insecurity in the North, lamenting that while the region now has “19 Sardaunas in title, it lacks the safety and discipline associated with the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello.”

Aliyu made the remarks in Kaduna during a dinner organized by SAMF to celebrate his 70th birthday. The event drew prominent Nigerians, including former governors, traditional rulers, and close associates.

He described the surge in killings, kidnappings and banditry as intolerable, insisting that government’s foremost responsibility is the protection of lives and property.

“Today we have 19 Sardaunas in name, but what are we hearing? The level of insecurity is troubling,” he said, recalling that in the First Republic, a single murder sent shockwaves through the region due to the high value placed on human life.

Aliyu urged governments to prioritise security over physical infrastructure. “You may build flyovers or other projects, but your core responsibility is to protect lives,” he said.

Reflecting on the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, he noted that the Sardauna governed with integrity, sacrifice and selflessness, leaving behind no personal wealth but a standard of discipline and visionary leadership that transformed Northern Nigeria.

Now “70 years plus 13 days,” Aliyu said he has entered a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to purposeful living. He thanked the Foundation for honouring him, despite his initial reluctance.

He also revisited his early academic journey, recalling an era when free and quality education—championed by the Sardauna—enabled many Northerners to succeed. He urged the region to revive that culture of discipline, purposeful governance and investment in education.

Aliyu advised Nigerians to live free of bitterness, jealousy and malice, encouraging daily self-reflection. “If your good deeds outweigh your bad, you will live longer,” he said.

The Director-General of SAMF, Engr. Gambo Abubakar, read a citation detailing Aliyu’s rise from teacher to Permanent Secretary, legislator, and ultimately Governor of Niger State. He described him as a statesman of integrity whose leadership has strengthened the Foundation’s work in education, policy dialogue, humanitarian interventions and youth development.

Deputy Chairman of the BOT and Iyan Zazzau, Alhaji Munnir Jafaru, praised Aliyu’s central role in establishing the Foundation, calling him one of its “founding fathers” whose vision continues to guide its mission.

Former Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada (rtd.), lauded Aliyu as a sincere, hardworking and intelligent leader who empowers those around him, wishing him “another 70 years in good health.”

Other well-wishers—including Hon. Timothy Anjide, members of the Foundation’s BOT, and Hajiya Rabi Saulawa of Jam’iyar Matan Arewa—described Aliyu as principled, humble, courageous and committed to the North’s progress. Saulawa noted that the region “needs voices like his to keep us on track.”

Representing SAMF management, Dr. Haruna Muhammed Jumare, Maradin Zazzau, and the Director of Finance and Administration hailed Aliyu as a mentor, justice advocate and builder of people whose contributions will remain deeply felt across Nigeria.