By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has called on Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to implement the court judgment that annulled the dethronement of Piriga monarch, Chief Jonathan Paraguwa Zamuna, under ex-Governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai’s administration.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Ango Bally, the forum urged Governor Sani “to demonstrate the pro-democracy and rule of law principles he stands for, as evidenced in his participation in the struggle for the realization of the June 12 election.”
According to the forum, implementing the judgment, which declared the dethronement null and void, and ordered the reinstatement of Chief Zamuna with all privileges restored, would be a demonstration of his government’s respect for the rule of law.
Honourable Justice Bashir Attahiru Alkali of the National Industrial Court in Kaduna had, on June 10, 2024, declared the dethronement of Chief Zamuna on May 22, 2023, null and void for lack of fair hearing. The court ordered his reinstatement with all salary arrears paid and all privileges restored within 30 days.
The court also ordered the Kaduna state government to pay Chief Zamuna 10 million Naira in damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights. A copy of the judgment has already been released.
This call aligns with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s advocacy for constitutional reform to protect traditional institutions in Nigeria by recognizing and defining their responsibilities. Abubakar lamented that “recent developments in the country have seen a growing tendency of state governments exerting influence in distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional stools.”
“SKJF equally recognizes Governor Sani’s laudable efforts in uniting the state towards achieving sustainable peace through the formation of the Kaduna Elders Forum,” co-chaired by Retired General Zamani Lekwot, former Military Governor of Old Rivers State, and former Head of Service Abubakar Mustapha, with highly respected personalities as members, to help chart a new course for the unity and development of the state,” the statement said.
The forum congratulated Governor Uba Sani on marking one year in office and particularly lauded his efforts towards inclusive governance, as evident in the recent inauguration of development projects across the southern and northern parts of the state.
However, SKJF “called on Governor Sani to go further in addressing the aspect of skewed political appointments in favor of Northern Kaduna to the detriment of the Southern region.” The forum noted that this deliberate practice, entrenched by ex-Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, was “ingeniously exploited as a divide-and-rule tactic that left the state more divided along religious fault lines than he met it.”
“We expect Governor Uba Sani to take deliberate practical steps to reconcile the regrettable retrogressive politics that Malam el-Rufai instituted by building bridges of unity and inclusive politics across the state for sustainable development to be achieved,” the statement stressed.
The forum also commended Governor Uba Sani and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, for their collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity in the state.
The forum is particularly excited about the efforts that have led to the establishment of three new military commands in Samaru, Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari, in addition to a base to be set up by the Air Force in Millennium City, Chikun Local Area, all in Kaduna State.
It acknowledged that the establishment of three new military commands and an Air Force base in strategic locations across the state would significantly impact the war against banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats in the region.
The forum noted that the presence of additional military personnel is expected to improve security and provide farmers with a sense of safety so they can access their lands without fear. It added that this development is particularly crucial for areas consistently targeted by banditry attacks.
It said Governor Sani’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people is evident through his distribution of 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorbikes to various security agencies in the state, adding that this initiative demonstrates his dedication to enhancing security measures.
This statement comes on the heels of a two-day Security Summit of Governors of the seven states in the North West, held in Katsina, where they resolved to work together through robust regional cooperation to solve the seemingly intractable security challenges plaguing the zone.
The summit was in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the German and Norwegian governments.
