Don’t drag Kaduna into another cycle of violence, CSO cautions El-rufai

A pro-democracy group on the platform of Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) has cautioned former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-rufai, not to drag the state into another circle of violence, adding that the people of the state cannot afford to be vulnerable again.

The former governor had made some comments in the recent time against his successor and the current administration in Kaduna state.

Reacting to the development through a statement made available to newsmen Friday in Abuja, National Coordinator of TAN, Comrade Michael Briggs, said stability in Kaduna reflects the stability not just in the North West but across the entire country.

According to Comrade Briggs, recent developments involving former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and some state actors have sparked alarm bells across the nation.

He said: “Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) as a civil society organization committed to fostering peace, stability, and good governance in Nigeria, raises its voice in profound concern over the dark clouds gathering over Kaduna State. The fragile peace that has begun to take root in the state is under threat, and we cannot afford to stand idly by as shadows of chaos loom on the horizon.

“Reliable sources indicate that El-Rufai has journeyed to Egypt, ostensibly to convene with political allies. However, the whispers carried on the wind suggest a far more sinister agenda: to allegedly fan the embers of discord and reignite the flames of political discord in the state. This is not merely a rumour; the rumour further reinforces the echo of his recent comments, as he advised the opposition to mobilise against his party, the ruling APC, ahead of 2027.

“Kaduna State, a land once vibrant with the promise of unity and progress, has been scarred by the relentless storms of violence and division. The people of Kaduna have endured enough, enough bloodshed, enough tears, and enough despair. The relative calm that now blankets the state is like a delicate sapling, struggling to grow in soil still poisoned by the remnants of conflict. We cannot allow this sapling to be uprooted by the reckless hands of those who seek to exploit chaos for their own ends.

TAN stands firmly against any attempt to plunge Kaduna back into the abyss of turmoil. We call on the National Security Adviser (NSA) to act swiftly and decisively. The allegations surrounding El-Rufai’s activities must be investigated with the urgency of a firefighter rushing to extinguish a blaze before it consumes everything in its path. The seeds of discord must be uprooted before they take root and spread their toxic vines across the state.

“We cannot risk undermining the trust of investors who are starting to come back to the state. The fledgling investments in Kaduna, nurtured by the return of confidence, are the tender shoots of economic growth. The state’s resurgence as a hub of commerce and industry must be sustained.

While calling on the political actors and community leaders of Kaduna to reject song of division and violence, the group added that the path to power must never be paved with the broken dreams and shattered lives of the innocent.

“The people of Kaduna are not pawns to be moved across a chessboard of political ambition; they are the heart and soul of the state, deserving of peace, dignity, and opportunity.

“We also call on the citizens of Kaduna to remain vigilant and united. Like a mighty tree that withstands the fiercest storms because its roots are deeply intertwined, the people of Kaduna must stand together in solidarity. Let no one sow seeds of hatred or fear among you. Instead, nurture the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that have always been your greatest strength.

“TAN reaffirms its commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and good governance in Kaduna State and across Nigeria. We will continue to shine a light on the shadows where discord thrives, and we will tirelessly advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians.

“We are calling on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribado, to investigate these allegations with the precision of a surgeon removing a tumor before it metastasizes.

“We cannot afford to stand idly by while Kaduna State, still nursing wounds from the recent insecurity that threatened to consume it, is pushed to the brink once more by individuals political ambitions that prioritise power over people. The state’s strategic importance to the nation cannot be overstated, given its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states.

“The stark reality is that our families, friends, and loved ones have already borne the brunt of past crises, and we cannot allow them to be vulnerable again. The memories of chaos and destruction still linger, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Kaduna State does not relapse into another cycle of violence.

“We owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the people of Kaduna State to take a stand against any actions that might jeopardize the hard-won peace and stability. We must prioritize the well-being and safety of our citizens over individual political interests. The fate of Kaduna State hangs in the balance, and we must act with foresight and collective responsibility to prevent another descent into chaos.”