CSGG STATEMENT ON MAHDI SHEHU’S MISLEADING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE FIRST LADY
The Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG) strongly condemns the reckless and divisive attempt by Mahdi Shehu to frame Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts as an attack on Northern Muslims.
Such a narrative is not only false but deeply insulting to millions of Muslims in Northern Nigeria who have been the primary victims of terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism.
It is important to remind the public that Mahdi Shehu’s credibility has been seriously questioned in the past, following allegations by the Katsina State Government of financial impropriety, document manipulation, and the misuse of opportunities in the name of advocacy for personal indulgence under the cover of activism.
His history of controversy and contested integrity makes his sudden claim to moral authority both ironic and unconvincing.
CSGG states unequivocally that terrorists and bandits are not Muslims, nor do they represent the North. They are criminal elements who have murdered imams, abducted worshippers, destroyed villages, and destabilised entire communities.
Supporting decisive security actions whether domestic or in collaboration with international partners aimed at neutralising these threats is an act of protection for Northern Muslims, not hostility against them.
To deliberately conflate counter-terrorism operations with religious persecution is dangerous, irresponsible, and capable of inflaming sectarian tensions.
Nigeria’s security challenge must never be reduced to religious propaganda or exploited for personal relevance.
CSGG therefore urges Nigerians to reject narratives built on distortion and emotional manipulation, and to stand with all well-meaning efforts aimed at restoring peace, dignity, and safety to Northern communities and the nation at large.
