TheCable

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, says his government will work hard to ensure that those who have the intention of causing disunity and confusion do not achieve their aim.

Speaking at a meeting with the Kaduna state council of chiefs and emirs, the governor said efforts must be made to stop people from using religion and ethnicity for political interests.

He explained that the aim of the religious bill, which is causing controversy in the state, is allowing “everybody to practice his or her faith without any challenge”.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace and stability, urging the monarchs to always preach peace to their subjects.

“We must work hard and ensure that forces of disunity and confusion fail. We must continue to stand up and nip in the bud all attempts to divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines,” he said.

“We have more to gain with peace and nothing to gain with violence. This is our collective resolution and we will continue to ensure peace.”

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, Ufuwai Bonet, deputy chairman of the council of chiefs and emirs, said the traditional rulers would continue to sustain peace in their domains.

“We thank the governor for this meeting. We will continue to preach peace to our people,” he said.