Dr. Sa’idu Ahmad Dukawa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University, Kano, has expressed concern over the alleged non-payment of salaries to members of the recently commissioned Neighborhood Security Corps in Kano State.
In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Dukawa revealed that the security personnel have not received the monthly stipends promised to them since their recruitment, a period he said spans nearly a year.
“I just learnt that the recently commissioned Neighborhood Security Corps of Kano State are yet to receive the monthly stipends promised to them. Considering the period of their screening for the job, we are talking about a duration of one year!” he wrote.
The lecturer further stated that the delay in payment raises questions about the viability of creating a State Police and called on government officials to intervene.
“This situation lends credence to the argument against the creation of State Police. It would be useful if those with the ears of Governor Abba Kabir whisper to him that the situation warrants his merciful attention,” Dukawa added.
In December last year, the Kano State Government inaugurated 2,000 members of the Neighbourhood Watch Corps to enhance internal security and strengthen community-based policing in the state.
The inauguration followed a passing-out ceremony at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, after the Kano State House of Assembly enacted a law establishing the state-owned paramilitary outfit to complement conventional security agencies.
Addressing the recruits after displays of parade drills, silent drills, and unarmed combat, Governor Yusuf said the initiative was designed to tackle insecurity while creating employment opportunities for youths.
“We are not just celebrating your graduation; we are inaugurating a new chapter in community security and reaffirming our commitment to youth empowerment,” the governor said.
“Lasting peace is built on security and opportunity. An idle mind is vulnerable, but an engaged and employed youth is a fortress against crime.”
He explained that the Neighbourhood Watch Corps represents a dual strategy of professionalising community security while providing dignity and livelihoods to young men and women who would now serve on the front lines of public service.
Governor Yusuf also noted that the programme is part of a broader employment drive, which includes the recent recruitment of hundreds of mathematics teachers and the engagement of over 4,000 beneficiaries through the BESDA programme to address gaps in education and employment.
Efforts to reach the Kano State Government for comments on the matter were yet to yield a response at the time of filing this report.
