“I Asked for Security, Not Cancellation of Road Project,” Senator LA Berates Critics

Senator Lawal Adamu Usman
Mr. LA

“My position is simple: build the road, secure the road and protect the people. There is no contradiction in asking for all three,” Usman

Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has hit back at critics of his recent remarks on the Federal Government’s N178.12bn Mando–Birnin Gwari Road project, insisting that his call for greater attention to insecurity was neither an attack on infrastructure development nor an attempt to frustrate the project.

The Senator, who represents Kaduna Central, said his intervention at the flag-off of the road project was driven by the realities confronting communities across Kaduna State, particularly the persistent threat of banditry, kidnapping and killings.

He described attempts to portray his comments as opposition to the road project as a deliberate distortion of his position.

According to him, “I did not say the road should not be constructed. I said our people must be alive and secure enough to use the road.”

The Senator said infrastructure and security should not be presented as competing priorities, arguing that roads, bridges and other public infrastructure would have little meaning if citizens could not safely travel, farm, trade or conduct their businesses.

He said the Mando–Birnin Gwari corridor was strategically important to the economic and social development of Kaduna State, but stressed that the benefits of the investment could only be fully realised in an environment where residents and travellers were adequately protected.

“I welcome every genuine investment that opens up our communities, creates economic opportunities and improves connectivity. But as elected representatives, we also have a responsibility to speak about the safety of the people we represent.

“Calling attention to insecurity is not an attack on government. It is part of our responsibility. If people are being kidnapped on the same roads we are building, if farmers cannot safely access their farms and if communities remain under the fear of bandits, then we must have the courage to say so,” he said.

Usman further challenged those criticising his intervention to distinguish between political opposition and constructive accountability.

He maintained that public officials should not be expected to remain silent whenever government policies or priorities require scrutiny, stressing that democracy thrives when elected representatives are allowed to raise legitimate concerns without being labelled enemies of development.

The Senator said he would continue to support projects capable of transforming Kaduna State while equally demanding stronger security measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of residents.

He added that the road project should become part of a broader strategy combining infrastructure, security, agriculture and economic development rather than being treated as an isolated intervention.

“Development is not just about concrete and asphalt. Development is also about the human beings who live, work and travel on those roads. A good road is important, but a secure road is even more important.

“My position is simple: build the road, secure the road and protect the people. There is no contradiction in asking for all three,” Usman said.

He therefore urged his critics to focus on the substance of his intervention rather than the political interpretation being attached to it.

The Senator reiterated that he would continue to advocate policies and projects that directly improve the lives of Kaduna residents, saying his loyalty was first to the people and their legitimate aspirations for security, prosperity and sustainable development.