Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has urged the residents of the state to checkmate the antics of ethnic and religious bigots, by living in peace, love, and unity for progress and development.

Sani who noted that there can be no development without peace and harmony expressed happiness that everyone now lives freely without intimidation because of their tribal or religious affiliations in Kaduna State.

Sani made this known during the Christmas Carol of Six Lessons organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at ECWA Good News, Narayi Highcost, on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

The governor lamented that Kaduna State witnessed a lot of setbacks as a result of ethnic and religious bigots who, according to him, divided the state along ethno-religious lines because of their selfish interests.

Governor Sani recalled that he had promised to run an inclusive administration that is anchored on justice and fairness, by carrying everyone along.

Sani said he attended the Christmas Carol to celebrate with Christians because when he took the oath of office, he promised to treat everyone equally, irrespective of their religious, tribal, or political affiliations.

“I made it clear to you when I came into power, that I am governor for everyone who lives in Kaduna; be you a Muslim or Christian or from any background, I remain your governor,” he said.

The governor stated that the challenge before every resident is to help in repositioning Kaduna State to bring back its lost glory, adding that Muslims and Christians must live together.

Sani further expressed dismay with the present situation, where Kaduna town is divided, with Muslims living in one section while Christians live in the other.

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Sani noted that both President Bola Tinubu and himself are working hard to extend economic prosperity to everyone, adding: “We must work together because poverty has no tribe, it has no religion.

“Right now, we must ensure that we reduce the level of poverty in our state and create jobs for our people.

“There are many intervention programs that we can extend to our people. We are going to work with our pastors, our religious leaders, and our community leaders. But that can only happen when we agree to continue living in peace and harmony.”

He also expressed happiness that both Jama’atuI Nasril Islam(JNI) and CAN have been working together as one family to maintain peace in Kaduna State, which he described as an important achievement.

Speaking to journalists after the event, the CAN Chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, described Sani as a leader who consistently strives for inclusivity and balance.

Ma’aji noted that the celebration brought people of different faiths, including Muslims, to commemorate the birth of Christ, “who brought salvation and purpose to humanity”.

The cleric acknowledged that differences among residents are inevitable but stressed that such biases should not hinder harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among residents.

“For us, having His Excellency, the governor of Kaduna State, is a further demonstration that he is not biased and that he is not a religious bigot but an equitable governor who identifies with his people despite the differences in faith, belief, and location,” he added.

The Star