Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has expressed concern over the involvement of politicians in instigating poor and vulnerable Nigerians to cause violence and anarchy. He made this statement at a Special Interfaith Dialogue with traditional rulers and Christian and Muslim religious leaders in Kaduna. The governor warned that such actions could undermine democracy and peace in the country, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in maintaining peace and security.
Governor Sani urged religious leaders to caution politicians against mobilizing vulnerable people, particularly youths, to engage in violent protests and actions that could threaten peace and security. He emphasized that religious leaders have a major responsibility to educate Nigerians on the need for peaceful conduct, particularly during elections. According to the governor, politicians who encourage people to take to the streets should be prepared to lead such actions themselves instead of exposing the children of poor Nigerians to danger.
The governor, who recalled his experience as an activist and his detention by successive military governments, said he had spent much of his life fighting for justice, democracy, and the rule of law. He noted that politicians often instigate the downtrodden to cause violence and anarchy, to the detriment of Nigeria's democracy. Governor Sani also pointed out that the children of politicians are often abroad, while those on the streets are usually the children of the poor and vulnerable.
Governor Sani emphasized that Northern Nigeria has a major responsibility to ensure that the region is not left behind or plunged into crisis during elections. He stressed that political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into hatred or violence, and that people have the right to hold different opinions. The governor encouraged Nigerians to respect one another's way of life and religion, promoting an inclusive way of life.
The governor said elections will always produce winners and losers, but the peaceful conduct of the electoral process should remain the priority. He believed that all Nigerians have a responsibility to ensure peaceful elections, not just the government. Governor Sani also urged religious and traditional leaders to continue praying for the country and its leaders, saying Nigeria needs prayers for its leaders to be guided to do what is right.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, appealed to Nigerians to be their brothers' keepers and embrace an all-inclusive way of life. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to be accommodating and respectful of one another's way of life and religion. The Emir's remarks underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in promoting peace and security in the country.
The Kaduna State government will continue to convene the interfaith dialogue quarterly to provide more opportunities for leaders to discuss issues affecting peace and security. Governor Sani's efforts to promote peace and security in the state have been commended by various stakeholders, who see his initiatives as crucial in maintaining stability in the region. The governor's commitment to peace and security is expected to continue to yield positive results in the state.
Key points
- Governor Uba Sani warns politicians against instigating poor Nigerians to cause violence and anarchy.
- The governor emphasizes the need for collective responsibility in maintaining peace and security.
- The Kaduna State government will continue to convene interfaith dialogues to promote peace and security.
