Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna has urged residents of the state to extend love, peace, and tolerance during the festive season.
He also advised the people of the state to be cautious of the antics of ethnic and religious bigots whose trade in stock is to fan the ember of disunity and crisis.
The governor, who noted that there can be no development without peace and harmony, expressed happiness that everyone now lives freely without intimidation because of their tribal or religious affiliations in the state.
Mr Sani stated this during the Christmas Carol of Six Lessons organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, at ECWA Good News, Narayi Highcost.
The governor lamented that the state has witnessed a lot of setbacks as a result of ethnic and religious bigots who divided the state along ethno-religious lines because of their selfish interests.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to run an inclusive administration that is anchored on justice and fairness.
Mr Sani explained that he attended the Christmas Carol to celebrate with Christians because when he took the oath of office, he promised to treat everyone equally, irrespective of their religious, tribal, or political affiliations.
“I made it clear to you when I came into power that I am Governor for everyone that lives in Kaduna, be you a Muslim or Christian or from any background; I remain your Governor,’’ he added.
The governor pointed out that the challenge before every resident is to help in repositioning Kaduna State to bring back its lost glory, adding that Muslims and Christians must live together.
He further expressed dismay with the present situation, where Kaduna town is divided, with Muslims living in one section while Christians live in the other.
The governor noted that both President Bola Tinubu and himself are working very hard to extend economic prosperity to everyone, arguing that “we must work together because poverty has no tribe, it has no religion”.
“Right now, we must ensure that we reduce the level of poverty in our state and create jobs for our people.
“There are many intervention programs that we can extend to our people. We are going to work with our pastors, our religious leaders, and our community leaders. But that can only happen when we agree to continue living in peace and harmony,” he said.
He expressed happiness that both Jama’atuI Nasril Islam, JNI, and CAN have been working together as one family to maintain peace, which he described as an important achievement.
The governor also commended the JNI who attended the Christmas Carol with him.
“I can tell you that some people are not happy, but the fact remains that we took an oath, and those who are not happy may be the minority.
“The most important thing is that the majority are happy because we are working towards the development and progress of our state; for me, that is the key,” he added.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the CAN Chairman, Kaduna State Chapter, Caleb Ma’aji, described Mr Sani as a leader who consistently strives for inclusivity and balance.
Mr Ma’aji noted that the celebration brought people of different faiths, including Muslims, to commemorate the birth of Christ, who brought salvation and purpose to humanity.
The cleric acknowledged that differences among residents are inevitable but argued that such biases should not hinder harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among residents.
“For us, having His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, is a further demonstration that he is not biased and that he is not a religious bigot but an equitable governor who identifies with his people despite the differences in faith, belief, and location,’’ he added.
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