RE: ZAMANI LEKWOT AS THE 'CO-CHAIRMAN' OF KADUNA ELDERS FORUM

By Magaji Musa Lere

It would appear that there are some crises entrepreneurs who are not happy with the peace and tranquility being enjoyed in Kaduna since the assumption of office by Malam Uba Sani as governor of Kaduna state that they're doing everything possible to stoke the embers of discord to precipitate a major crisis in the state.

This act is most unfortunate as the blueprint of development which the governor is unveiling for the state is unparalleled and one that will cater for the infrastructural development, peaceful coexistence and economic prosperity of citizens. Though I am not in the government, as a citizen, I have followed closely most developments since May 29th, 2023. And I have a duty, as a citizen, to tell some bitter truth.

On assumption of office on May 29, Governor Sani made it clear that while he is focused on developing Kaduna, he is going to be a governor for all citizens of the state irrespective of political, tribal or religious affiliations.

This is in order to ensure peace, cohesiveness and create a suitable atmosphere for the kinds of infrastructural and economic development he envisions for the state.

To achieve this lofty objectives, the Governor has set the ball rolling by taking into cognisance the needs of the entire state while consulting various stakeholders to tap from their wealth of knowledge and experience for the general good of the state.

Despite these lofty efforts, few disgruntled elements who, it appears benefit from crises, want to turn back the hands of the clock to either pin the state down or to foster chaos and brigandage.

This summarises the intent of the piece with the above title, written by one Nura Bako Zango, which is laden with so much venom and lies against the current administration in Kaduna state under the guise of protesting the purported selection of retired General Zamani Lekwot as co-chair of the Kaduna Elders Forum.

From all available reports of the meeting of the elders, no where was it reported that Gen. Lekwot was appointed co-chair of the group but Zango has to go out of his way to fabricate it to achieve his negative aim hoping that the mere mention of the retired General's name would evoke sentiments that would make people abandon reason and heed his incitement to mayhem.

But even if one is to concede that the claim of co-chairmanship is true, the question is; in what way is the Kaduna state Government responsible for this, given that the association is neither an agency of the government nor a creation of the current administration?

Since when has the government begun to dictate to associations who they appoint as their leaders if not on the minds of cheap rumour-peddlers?

The Forum, from its creation has conducted its affairs as it deemed fit and nowhere has the selection of its leaders being attributed to the Kaduna state government in the past, hence one wonders why Zango is trying hard to link the affair of the Forum to the state government.

In any case, as mentioned earlier, the current administration in Kaduna State has made it clear that it is out to provide quality leadership to all citizens in the state.

If by the write up Zango is trying to instigate the government to interfere in the running of the affairs of the elders Forum to suit his bias, then he has failed because no responsible government would offer itself for hire to those whose stock-in-trade is perpetrate crisis .

Whereas one has no mandate to speak on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, it is obvious drawing from the government's disposition, that it is willing to encourage citizens of the state to put their ugly past behind them and reconcile for the growth and development of the state.

Countries like South Africa and Rwanda which have witnessed intense and sustained acts of aggressions against certain demographics within them have come up with peace-seeking efforts like truth and reconciliation commissions that enabled them get over painful experiences of the past to have moved to become some of the most fastest growing countries on the continent.

It will be unfortunate if Kaduna is allowed to relapse into violent fits just to please these merchants of crises.

The political motive of the write up is exposed in the fact that while this is not the first time Gen. Lekwot would be visiting Kaduna Government House since the Zangon Kataf crisis, this is the first time someone thinks it is an offence for him to do so.

Why no one raised an eyebrow in the past but suddenly tried to make it an issue now is the height of mischief.

People should be wary of characters like Zango who want to pin Kaduna down to an ugly past that they do not want the state to get over.

The state government must do everything within its powers to bring crisis entrepreneurs like Zango to book to demonstrate how serious it is about ensuring lasting peace in Kaduna State.

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