Former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, has said he may be arrested for speaking out about what he described as the worsening state of Nigeria, insisting that the country, particularly the North, is facing serious challenges.
Al-Mustapha made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at the third edition of the Late General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference held in Kaduna.
During his address, he lamented the current condition of the nation, describing the North as being in a hopeless situation and accusing political leaders in the region of abandoning the values and sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers.
“Every child in the streets to the elites knows that the state of Nigeria is in a sorry state. The state of the North is totally hopeless. Speaking the truth about the situation is meant for patriots,” he said.
Al-Mustapha also criticised the low turnout of political leaders at the conference, arguing that the event should have attracted all northern governors because of its focus on leadership and national development.
According to him, many leaders have failed to demonstrate the vision and commitment needed to address the country’s challenges.
“They don’t have the thinking, they don’t have the sacrifice, they don’t understand it, and they also have no strategy for the country,” he stated.
The former military officer further accused those in leadership positions of failing to appreciate the importance of the nation’s founding fathers, contrasting Nigeria’s situation with other countries where national heroes are highly respected.
He maintained that many leaders lack a proper understanding of what leadership truly means.
Al-Mustapha said he was prepared to speak openly despite any consequences, suggesting that his comments could even lead to his arrest.
“I wish I may be arrested here because I’ll speak the truth. I said the truth,” he declared.
His remarks come amid ongoing national debates over governance, leadership and the country’s security and economic challenges.
