A civil society organisation committed to fostering peace and good governance in Nigeria, Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), has vowed to stand firmly against any attempt to plunge Kaduna back into the abyss of turmoil.
TAN called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) to act swiftly and decisively with a view to averting the outbreak of any politically motivated crisis in the north-western state.
Speaking through its national coordinator, Michael Briggs on Friday, the civil society group expressed concern over the activities of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai which it said were allegedly inimical to peace and stability of the state.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that some pro-Governor Uba Sani groups in Kaduna State have cautioned El-Rufai to stop distracting his successor, during a solidarity visit to the governor in light of his recent political rift with his predecessor.
Briggs called on political actors and community leaders in the state to reject the siren song of division and violence, saying “the path to power must never be paved with the broken dreams and shattered lives of the innocent.
“Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) as a civil society organisation committed to fostering peace, stability, and good governance in Nigeria, raises its voice in profound concern over the dark clouds gathering over Kaduna State. The fragile peace that has begun to take root in the state is under threat, and we cannot afford to stand idly by as shadows of chaos loom on the horizon.
“The stability in Kaduna reflects the stability not just in the North West but across the entire country. We cannot risk undermining the trust of investors who are starting to come back to the state. The fledgling investments in Kaduna, nurtured by the return of confidence, are the tender shoots of economic growth. The state’s resurgence as a hub of commerce and industry must be sustained.
“To the political actors and community leaders of Kaduna, we issue a clarion call: reject the siren song of division and violence. The path to power must never be paved with the broken dreams and shattered lives of the innocent. The people of Kaduna are not pawns to be moved across a chessboard of political ambition; they are the heart and soul of the state, deserving of peace, dignity, and opportunity.
“We also call on the citizens of Kaduna to remain vigilant and united. Like a mighty tree that withstands the fiercest storms because its roots are deeply intertwined, the people of Kaduna must stand together in solidarity. Let no one sow seeds of hatred or fear among you. Instead, nurture the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that have always been your greatest strength.
“TAN reaffirms its commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and good governance in Kaduna State and across Nigeria. We will continue to shine a light on the shadows where discord thrives, and we will tirelessly advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians.
“We cannot afford to stand idly by while Kaduna State, still nursing wounds from the recent insecurity that threatened to consume it, is pushed to the brink once more by individuals political ambitions that prioritise power over people. The state’s strategic importance to the nation cannot be overstated, given its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states.
“The stark reality is that our families, friends, and loved ones have already borne the brunt of past crises, and we cannot allow them to be vulnerable again. The memories of chaos and destruction still linger, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Kaduna State does not relapse into another cycle of violence.
“We owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the people of Kaduna State to take a stand against any actions that might jeopardise the hard-won peace and stability. We must prioritise the well-being and safety of our citizens over individual political interests. The fate of Kaduna state hangs in the balance, and we must act with foresight and collective responsibility to prevent another descent into chaos.”
