“Insecurity Has Deepened, Governors Need More Support” — Ex-Lawmaker Safana
...Distributes Sallah Aid to 500 in Katsina
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
In a move aimed at cushioning economic hardship and fostering community unity ahead of the Eid celebrations, the Garkuwa Foundation, led by former House of Representatives member Hon. Ahmed Dayyabu Safana, has distributed Sallah support to over 500 residents in Katsina State.
The distribution took place on Sunday, July 1, 2025, at Hon. Safana’s residence in Katsina city. Beneficiaries received financial aid to support their Sallah festivities, with ₦30,000 allocated to each of the ten wards in Safana Local Government Area.
During the event, Hon. Safana, who currently serves as Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Special Duties, said the outreach aimed at bringing leaders closer to the people and offering relief during the festive period.
“We invited you here to interact, understand your concerns, and extend some assistance to help ease the burden of celebrating Sallah,” he stated.
He noted that the initiative was carried out in collaboration with former commissioner and ex-lawmaker Hon. Abdulkadir Zakka. “It’s been a while since we held such engagements. We’re here today to hear your complaints and suggestions so we can understand your problems and work towards solutions,” Safana added.
The event drew attendance from members and leaders of both the APC and PDP, reflecting a rare show of political unity. Hon. Safana described the bipartisan participation as a sign of endorsement for the APC-led administration’s leadership style. Notably, over 100 members of the Garkuwa Loyalist group, led by Hon. Abdulkadir Zakka, were also present to engage in dialogue with community leaders.
In an exclusive interview with Katsina Times, Hon. Safana expressed deep concern over the escalating security challenges in the state and the nation. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to empower state governors with the necessary resources to effectively address the crisis.
Abdlkadir Ahmed Zakka
“Insecurity has deepened, and we need to equip our governors with more tools and authority to fight it head-on,” Safana said. “While Katsina Governor Dikko Radda is doing his best, the evolving tactics of armed groups demand greater federal support.”
In his remarks, Hon. Abdulkadir Zakka reaffirmed the political direction of their group under the leadership of Governor Radda and President Tinubu. He highlighted Katsina's strategic political importance, noting that the president had granted APC ticket waivers to defectors from the PDP in the state.
“In our zone, I will be leading the campaign for Hon. Ali Iliyasu, who recently defected from the PDP, ahead of the 2027 elections,” Zakka announced.
The Garkuwa Foundation’s intervention was widely appreciated by residents, especially in light of the rising cost of living affecting Sallah preparations across the state.
