…Blames revenue imbalance for hardship
Katsina State governor, Dikko Umaru Raɗɗa, has strongly rejected sweeping accusations that Nigerian governors are responsible for corruption and the country’s worsening economic hardship, insisting that the problem is broader and deeply rooted in structural imbalances within the federation.
Speaking in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), later shared on Facebook, the governor argued that corruption is not exclusive to state governors, noting that individuals who have never held offices as high as governor have also been caught stealing vast sums of public funds.
Raɗɗa asked: “Are governors the only thieves in Nigeria? How many people have been caught with stolen money that does not even equal half of a governor’s earnings?”, and questioned the moral authority of some critics, warning against blanket insults and name-calling, and stressing that leadership should be treated as a serious trust.
He said: “Leadership is a responsibility. If you don’t answer before people, you will answer before God”, adding that the true test of governance lies in whether public funds are used to improve the lives of citizens.
On the growing public anger over economic hardship, Raɗɗa urged Nigerians to stop blaming governors alone, pointing out that the Federal Government controls the largest share of federation revenue. According to him, the revenue-sharing formula leaves states and local governments under intense pressure to meet rising demands.
According to him, “Whenever there is hardship, people blame governors and local governments. But when revenue is shared, 52% goes to the Federal Government. It is the remaining 48% that is shared among the 36 states and 774 local governments”.
Raɗɗa questioned how the bulk of federal allocations over the decades have been utilised, arguing that Nigerians should direct tougher questions to the centre. He also dismissed what he described as sweeping corruption allegations against state governors, insisting that leadership should be judged on an individual basis.
Defending his administration’s continued investment in capital projects despite economic challenges, the governor said infrastructure development remains one of the fastest ways to stimulate the grassroots economy. He explained that such projects create jobs, boost local businesses and ensure money circulates within communities.
On security, Raɗɗa stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved by government alone, calling on Nigerians to work collectively. According to him, peace and development require joint efforts from both leaders and citizens.
