REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY SENATOR UBA SANI AT A ONE DAY REFLECTION MEETING ON KADUNA DIRECTION ON PEACE BUILDING ON WEDNESDAY, 30TH AUGUST 2023 AT HOTEL 17, KADUNA

1. I am delighted to be in your midst today to share thoughts and experiences on issues around conflicts and peace building efforts and initiatives in Kaduna State. I commend the Kaduna Peace Commission and the UNDP for organizing this Reflection Meeting. This meeting is timely. We want to chart a new direction that will lead to a safe, peaceful and prosperous Kaduna State. But we cannot do that without looking at our past, current and possibly future challenges. We must not continue to live in denial.
2. Kaduna State has had its fair share of ethnic and religious conflicts. Although the intensity of ethnic and religious conflicts have drastically reduced, fear of escalation due to tussles for land remains strong. Apart from ethnic and religious tensions, we now face the destabilizing activities of bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements. We have however taken the battle to them. The State Government has been working closely with Federal Security Forces to degrade these criminal elements and make our communities safe for living and business.
3. As your Chief Servant, I am deeply worried by the ethnic and religious divisions in Kaduna State. I am the Governor of a State where all government’s actions or inactions are viewed from the lenses of religion and ethnicity. I manage a state where emotions run high at the slightest provocation or perception of injustice. We are captives of our past. A past marked by incessant conflicts, bloodletting, hate and distrust.
4. But we must break loose from our unpleasant past. We must collectively free ourselves from the grip of conflict merchants and agents of retrogression. We must change the narrative and bring development and progress into the discourse.
5. The starting point is for us to recognize the fact that our state is diverse, with its complexities and possibilities. We must harness our diversity and turn it into an asset. If Rwanda that experienced ethnic cleansing that shocked the world can become an “oasis” of peace and ethnic harmony, we have no excuse to remain captives of our past. We can replicate the Rwandan Example in Kaduna State.
6. I am conscious of the fact that leadership must play a key role in reshaping Kaduna State and making it a model of development, ethnic harmony and cooperation. We have committed ourselves to running a pro-people, pro-poor and all inclusive administration. Under my watch, equity and justice shall reign supreme in Kaduna State. Because of decades of suspicion and perceptions of marginalization, many people may not want to give our administration the benefit of the doubt. We are however determined to ensure that there is even development in our dear State. Wherever you come from or wherever you reside, be assured that development will reach you. You will feel the impact of government.
7. Our administration shall intensify and broaden efforts at ensuring the security and safety of lives & property in the State. We will deploy modern systems as well as community-based protocols to prevent & detect crime. We shall prioritize the maintenance of Law & Order as the Bedrock of societal co-existence. We are determined to break the cycle of impunity. All those who want to test the will of government would have themselves to blame. If you break the law, be ready to face the consequences.
8. Our administration shall encourage and facilitate inter – ethnic and inter – religious dialogue. Through that process we can build shared understanding and consensus on contentious issues for the benefit of our state. As servants of the people, we shall continue to hold ACCOUNTABLILITY SESSIONS where we shall periodically render account of our stewardship to the people and hear from them first hand on their concerns and priorities. If there are things our people feel we are not doing properly or have failed to do, they can bring them up at such fora and I assure you they shall be addressed expeditiously. On Thursday, 31st August, 2023, we shall kick off Town Hall Meetings with that of Kaduna Metropolis.
9. We shall empower the Kaduna State Peace Commission to strengthen its delivery of its mandate to anticipate and help deter and resolve conflicts. Similarly, this administration shall strengthen the Kaduna State Vigilance Service to complement the efforts of the federal security agencies.
10. I am a product of the human rights and pro – democracy movement. We have zero tolerance for discrimination. I will sustain our cherished ideals. With the support of the good people of Kaduna State, we shall build a state where no man or woman will feel oppressed. We shall build a state where no person or place will be left behind.
11. I wish you fruitful deliberations. God bless you all.