End Southern Kaduna marginalisation now – Group tells Gov.Sani
Group under the auspices of Southern Kaduna Renewed Hope Movement of Nigeria on Friday urged Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to rectify what it called continuous marginalisation of Southern Kaduna in the State and Federal political spaces.
Specifically, the group said in the interest of socio-contract premised on justice and fairness to all, the ministerial slot due to the State should be zoned to the Kaduna South Senatorial District perspective of religion affiliate of the capable person so recognised.
Addressing a press conference at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Legacy House, Kaduna, the National Coordinator of the Group, Yusuf Kanhu, described the alleged marginalisation of the region as a “matter of utmost concern”, hence the intention to make their position public.
According to Yusuf, “since the establishment of Kaduna State in 1967, 1976, and 1987, it has served as a home to diverse individuals and communities. It is a melting pot of cultures and ideologies, a symbol of unity and progress. Unfortunately, in recent times, we have witnessed a troubling divergence from these values.
“In the past, Christians and Muslims in Kaduna coexisted harmoniously. They celebrated each other’s festivals, shared meals, and stood united. Unfortunately, in the present day, as we advance into the twenty-first century, we find ourselves grappling with a disheartening decline in unity and equitable political representation.
“Our expectation from the return to democracy was a united Nigeria marked by social justice, equity, and inclusivity—a departure from the challenges faced under various military regimes. Democracy, with its promise of synergy, representation, and inclusion, should guide our nation toward progress.
“However, over the last eight years, the Southern Kaduna region has experienced severe marginalization, both in political and religious spheres, particularly since the rise of the APC. Under the previous administration of Mallam Nasir Elrufai, a significant disparity emerged in political appointments and campaigns, leading to an imbalanced representation of the region”, he said.
He also stressed that the introduction of the Muslim-Muslim ticket further deepened this divide, relegating the Christians and Muslims of Southern Kaduna to deputy positions or roles of lesser influence.
Yusuf also expressed concern over the alleged recent viral video on social media where the immediate Governor of the State, Nasir El-Rufai spoke about the motivations behind the recent political decisions in the State, “his assertion of leniency in demolitions and the potential exacerbation of demolitions and hardship under a successor, as well as the intent to perpetuate the Muslim-Muslim ticket for the next two decades, raise questions about their intentions towards the Southern Kaduna region.
“Are these factors contributing to Governor Uba Sani’s current actions, favoring Zones 1 and 2 while disregarding the political significance of the South? He queried.
In response to this distressing situation, the Group urged Governor Uba Sani to ensure fairness for both Christian and Muslim communities in Southern Kaduna just it acknowledged and thanked him for the peace the State is currently experiencing since his emergence as “Governor of all Kaduna sons and daughters”.
The Group however tipped an All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain from the region, Dr. Abdulmalik Durunguwa, who is said to be a proven administrator, a former Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Agency (SEMA), to be appointed by President Bola Tinubu as a Minister in his progressives cabinet.
“We call for the equitable distribution of ministerial appointments to the South. If a Christian ministerial appointment is not viable, we propose the appointment of —an esteemed son of Southern Kaduna, a proven administrator, the former Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Agency (SEMA), and a dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We want to reiterate that our goal is not to promote division or animosity. We stand for unity and progress, and we believe that the only way to achieve this is through equal representation, fair distribution of resources, and inclusive governance.
“Therefore, we call on the Kaduna State Government to address the grievances of the Southern region and take immediate steps to rectify this continuous marginalization. We demand fair representation in governance, equitable distribution of resources, and improved security measures in Southern Kaduna”, Yusuf added.