Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has called on religious and traditional leaders to intensify efforts to promote peace and discourage political violence, particularly among young Nigerians.
Sani made the call on Monday during a Special Interfaith Dialogue with traditional rulers and Christian and Muslim leaders in Kaduna, where he expressed concern over the involvement of vulnerable youths in violent political activities.
The governor urged religious leaders to engage politicians and caution them against mobilising young people to participate in protests and actions capable of threatening peace and democratic stability.
According to him, religious and traditional institutions have an important role to play in educating citizens on peaceful political participation and responsible conduct during elections.
Sani, who spoke from the perspective of his experience as an activist and former detainee under military governments, said he had spent much of his life advocating justice, democracy and the rule of law.
He particularly criticised the practice of exposing children from poor families to political risks while the children of wealthy politicians remain largely protected from such dangers.
He challenged political leaders who call for street protests to be willing to personally lead such actions instead of sending vulnerable young people into potentially dangerous situations.
The governor also appealed to Nigerians to accommodate political and religious differences, stressing that disagreement should not result in hatred or violence.
“Everyone has the right to his own opinion. We can disagree, but we don’t have to hate each other. We don’t have to try to instigate violence,” he said.
Sani stressed that while elections would inevitably produce winners and losers, the peaceful conduct of the electoral process should remain more important than the outcome.
He also warned that Northern Nigeria must avoid actions capable of plunging the region into another cycle of instability, urging stakeholders to work together to protect peace and democratic processes.
The governor called on religious leaders to continue praying for the country and its leaders, saying their guidance and influence could contribute significantly to national stability.
He further announced that the Kaduna State Government would continue to hold the interfaith dialogue quarterly, providing a platform for religious and traditional leaders to address emerging security and social challenges.
Also speaking, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence regardless of their religious or cultural differences.
He called on citizens to remain their brothers’ keepers and support an inclusive society where people can live together peacefully.
