‘Nigeria is bigger than anyone’s ambition’ — Uba Sani warns against politicising insecurity

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says politicians should stop politicising insecurity, warning that Nigeria is bigger than any personal interest.

Speaking when he received top directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) in his office on Friday, Sani said Nigerians should learn to differentiate between constructive criticism of government policies and actions that undermine Nigeria’s unity and stability.

The governor appealed to Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and prioritise the country’s interests above partisan politics.

Sani criticised some politicians for damaging Nigeria’s image in the media under the guise of opposing government policies, describing such behaviour as the work of “anti-democratic forces”.

He emphasised that political officeholders will eventually leave office, but Nigeria as a nation will endure.

“As a governor, you can criticise me, but when you act in a manner that causes disaffection, tarnishes the country’s image, or disturbs peace in Kaduna state, you become a merchant of conflict,” he said.

Recalling his days as a civil rights advocate, Sani said, “our leader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory, used to warn us to distinguish between Nigeria as a country and its leaders in all our activism.”

He also noted that some opposition politicians were absent during the struggle for democracy against military rule.

The governor warned the elite against using their privileged positions to undermine the security of the underserved, noting that many of those politicians have no real stake in Nigeria.

“If anything happens, these people in the GRAs whose families are abroad will just leave the country and allow the poor and vulnerable to bear the consequences,” he added.

Sani also condemned politicians who remain in the comfort of their homes while sending the masses’ children to protest, describing such behaviour unpatriotic and sacrilegious.

He accused some elite of exploiting religion for political gain, risking the lives of ordinary citizens.

Describing such political actors as “insecurity merchants”, the governor urged them to stop benefiting from and politicising insecurity.

He stressed the importance of unity and development in Kaduna state, urging religious tolerance and cooperation.

“I do not judge people by their religion but by their character,” Sani said, affirming his commitment to fostering peace between Muslims and Christians in the state.

He also commended Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); security agency heads; and Adeola Ajayi, DSS director-general, for their efforts in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.