The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum, SKJF, has commended the synergy between the Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa in tackling insecurity.
The Group said the collaboration has led to the establishment of three new military commands in Samaru Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari, as well as a new Air Force base in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area.
These strategic moves are expected to significantly address the persistent issues of banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats in the region, thereby enhancing agricultural activities in the state.
The forum is hopeful that the deployment of additional military personnel would greatly improve security and allow farmers to access their lands without fear, especially in communities such as Maro-Kajuru, Kauru, Sanga, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas, which have been plagued by banditry attacks.
It said that a robust military presence in these areas would boost citizens’ and farmers’ confidence, fostering robust agricultural and economic activities to combat poverty and unemployment across the state
The forum also commended the Governor’s initiative to enhance security across the state by distributing 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorbikes to various security agencies, including the Army, Air Force, DSS, Police, Civil Defence, Customs, and Immigration.
The SKJF recognised Gov. Sani’s efforts in uniting the state and achieving sustainable peace through the formation of the Kaduna Elders Forum. This forum, co-chaired by retired General Zamani Lekwot and former Head of Service Abubakar Mustapha, includes other notable personalities and aims to chart a course for the state’s unity and development.
The group congratulated Gov. Uba Sani on marking one year in office and praised his efforts towards inclusive governance, evident in the recent inauguration of development projects across both southern and northern parts of the state.
However, the forum called on the Governor to address the issue of skewed political appointments favoring Northern Kaduna to the detriment of the Southern region. The Group urged Governor Sani to take practical steps to reconcile these divisive politics by building bridges of unity and promoting inclusive politics for sustainable development.
In the same vein, the forum called on the Governor to uphold pro-democracy and rule of law principles by respecting and implementing the recent court judgment that nullified the dethronement of the Pirige monarch, Chief Jonathan Paraguwa Zamuna, on May 22, 2023, and ordered his reinstatement.
Justice Bashir Attahiru Alkali’s judgment of the National Industrial Court, sitting in Kaduna on June 10, 2024, declared the dethronement null and void for lack of fair hearing and ordered his reinstatement and restoration of all privileges within 30 days.
The forum urged the Governor to respect the ruling as a testament to his commitment to democracy and justice.
