By Our Correspondent
The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), a civil society organization dedicated to promoting peace and good governance in Nigeria, has raised the alarm over what it describes as a growing threat to the fragile peace in Kaduna State.
The call was contained in statement signed by TAN’s National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, who called for urgent action to address allegations of politically motivated activities aimed at destabilizing the state.
Briggs expressed deep concern over recent developments involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose alleged actions have sparked fears of renewed political discord in the state. According to TAN, El-Rufai allegedly, recently traveled to Egypt under the guise of meeting political allies, but reports suggest a more troubling agenda allegedly aimed at mobilizing opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The relative peace that Kaduna State has begun to enjoy is under threat,” Briggs stated. “We cannot afford to stand idly by while shadows of chaos loom on the horizon. The people of Kaduna have endured enough bloodshed, tears, and despair. We must not allow this hard-won peace to be uprooted by reckless hands.”
Kaduna State, a region historically plagued by ethnic and religious violence, has seen a tentative return to stability in recent years. However, TAN warns that the state remains vulnerable to political manipulation and external interference. The organization likened the current peace to a “delicate sapling” struggling to grow in soil still tainted by past conflicts.
“Kaduna State, once vibrant with the promise of unity and progress, has been scarred by relentless storms of violence and division,” Briggs said. “The relative calm that now blankets the state is precious, and we cannot allow it to be destroyed by those who seek to exploit chaos for their own ends.”
TAN has called on Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the allegations against El-Rufai and other actors implicated in the alleged plot. “The seeds of discord must be uprooted before they take root and spread their toxic vines across the state,” Briggs emphasized. “The NSA must act with the urgency of a firefighter rushing to extinguish a blaze before it consumes everything in its path.”
The organization also urged political actors and community leaders in Kaduna to reject divisive rhetoric and prioritize the well-being of the people. “The path to power must never be paved with the broken dreams and shattered lives of the innocent,” Briggs declared. “The people of Kaduna are not pawns in a political chessboard; they deserve peace, dignity, and opportunity.”
TAN highlighted the broader implications of instability in Kaduna, noting its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and security. As a gateway to the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states, Kaduna’s stability is crucial to the entire North-West region and the nation at large. The organization warned that renewed violence could deter investors and undermine the state’s economic recovery.
“Kaduna’s resurgence as a hub of commerce and industry must be sustained,” Briggs said. “The fledgling investments nurtured by the return of confidence are the tender shoots of economic growth. We cannot risk undermining the trust of investors who are starting to return to the state.”
While TAN appealed to the citizens of Kaduna to remain vigilant and united in the face of potential threats, it reaffirmed it commitment to work with stakeholders for the peace and unity of the state.
“Like a mighty tree that withstands the fiercest storms because its roots are deeply intertwined, the people of Kaduna must stand together in solidarity,” Briggs urged. “Let no one sow seeds of hatred or fear among you. Nurture the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that have always been your greatest strength.”
“We will continue to shine a light on the shadows where discord thrives,” Briggs pledged. “The fate of Kaduna State hangs in the balance, and we must act with foresight and collective responsibility to prevent another descent into chaos.”
