Aisha Yesufu Replies Keyamo After Criticising Politicians Asking Citizens To Kill To Protect Votes

Political activist Aisha Yesufu has responded to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following his criticism of politicians allegedly encouraging Nigerians to take up arms in the name of protecting their votes during elections.

Yesufu, in a message addressed to security operatives, urged them not to put their lives at risk for politicians whom she accused of neglecting their welfare and that of their families despite spending years in public office.

Her reaction came after Keyamo condemned politicians who, according to him, had sent their children abroad while encouraging ordinary Nigerians and political thugs to engage in violence under the guise of defending electoral votes.

The minister had warned that individuals who carried dangerous weapons and attacked others during elections could be lawfully neutralised by security agents in the course of their duties.

Keyamo also recalled a warning by former President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general election, saying he continued to support the position that security operatives could use necessary force against those who resorted to violence.

However, responding to the minister’s comments, Yesufu shifted attention to the welfare of security personnel, questioning whether their sacrifices for politicians were matched by adequate protection and opportunities for their families.

She asked security agents to consider whether their children enjoyed the same quality of education, employment opportunities and access to healthcare as the children of the political office holders they were being asked to protect.

“Do your children attend the same schools as theirs?

“Do your children get the same job opportunities as theirs?

“Are your children protected the way their children are?

“If your child is sick, will that your child have access to the same health facilities as theirs?” she queried.

The activist further argued that security personnel should recognise that their primary responsibility was to the country rather than individuals in political offices.

“Your duty is to Nigeria and not to corrupt politicians!!!!!!” she declared.

Yesufu’s response has added another dimension to the debate sparked by Keyamo’s remarks, bringing the welfare, loyalty and professional responsibilities of security operatives into the discussion ahead of the 2027 general election.

While Keyamo warned against the use of weapons and violence in the name of protecting votes, Yesufu urged security agents to prioritise their constitutional responsibility to Nigeria and avoid sacrificing their lives for the interests of politicians.

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