Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has cautioned politicians against politicising security matters or engaging in actions that could undermine Nigeria’s unity and stability, urging them to separate genuine criticism from acts capable of endangering the nation’s corporate existence.
Speaking when top Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) paid him a courtesy visit at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the governor said some politicians have turned national security issues into political weapons, describing such conduct as “anti-democratic and dangerous.”
Governor Sani lamented that certain opposition figures seek to tarnish the country’s image under the guise of opposing government policies. “As a Governor, you can criticise me, but when you act in a manner that causes disaffection, disturbs the peace of Kaduna State, or damages Nigeria’s image, you have become a merchant of conflict,” he said.
Recalling his years as a human rights activist, the governor quoted the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, saying, “Our leader used to warn us to always distinguish between Nigeria as a nation and its leaders in all our activism.”
Sani also took a swipe at some members of the elite who, he said, exploit religion and insecurity for selfish gains. “The elites in GRAs live peacefully together irrespective of religion, yet some of them use religion to divide the poor for political advantage. They are the real insecurity merchants,” he said.
He warned that such elites often have their families abroad and would flee if chaos erupts, leaving the poor to suffer the consequences. “They sit in air-conditioned comfort, inciting protests, while their children are overseas. That is unpatriotic and a betrayal of national trust,” he added.
Governor Sani reiterated his administration’s commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State, emphasizing that religion should never be used as a basis for division. “God has placed us here as Muslims and Christians. We must embrace one another and work together. I judge people by their character, not their religion,” he stated.
He commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, heads of security agencies, and the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, for their coordinated efforts in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
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