Governor Uba Sani has issued a stern warning to Kaduna residents, advising them against participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest that is set to commence on Thursday. The governor made this announcement during a town hall meeting with significant stakeholders held on Monday in Kaduna.
He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of the people, expressing concerns about “faceless” groups that are planning protests under the pretext of advocating for better governance.
Governor Sani recognized the severe economic challenges currently plaguing Nigerians, attributing these difficulties to a history of mismanagement and corruption that has plagued the country for years. He acknowledged that these economic problems have led to widespread discomfort among the populace.
However, he emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is working diligently to address these issues by implementing new policies aimed at economic revitalization. While these policies are designed for long-term sustainable growth, some have inevitably caused temporary hardships for citizens.
In his address, Governor Sani underscored the ongoing efforts of his administration to rebuild public trust, bolster security, and implement pro-poor policies that aim to support the most vulnerable segments of society. He described the upcoming protests as unnecessary and ill-timed, noting that similar protests in the past have frequently escalated into violence and destruction.
The governor expressed his belief that the current environment is not conducive to protest and called for a focus on constructive dialogue and collective progress.
The governor’s call for stability was echoed by the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, who spoke on behalf of the traditional institutions. Emir Bamali urged patience and advised local communities to avoid engaging in protests. He stressed the importance of unity and collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges facing the northern region of Nigeria.
Religious leaders also weighed in on the matter. Ahmad Gumi and Joseph Hayab, prominent figures in their respective religious communities, urged their followers to steer clear of the protests organized by unidentified groups. Gumi acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but raised concerns about the potential for these protests to be hijacked by malicious actors with ulterior motives.
In addition, Abdullahi Danfulani and Ayuba Suleiman, chairmen of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kaduna, respectively, stated that they would not be participating in the protests. They indicated that they had not received any directives from their national bodies regarding participation in the protest actions.
Furthermore, Dayyabu Maigonjo, who represents the Kaduna market community, supported the stance of the TUC and NLC. He warned that participating in the protests could lead to looting and destruction of state facilities, which would exacerbate the already challenging economic conditions in Kaduna. Maigonjo’s concerns highlight the potential risks associated with large-scale demonstrations, especially in a region that has experienced significant unrest in the past.
Governor Sani concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need for unity and responsible actions from all segments of society. He called on the residents of Kaduna to support the ongoing efforts to improve the state’s socio-economic conditions and to contribute positively to the nation’s development. The governor reassured the public that the government is committed to addressing security challenges and fostering an environment conducive to progress.
