Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, has commended traditional chiefs for their vital role in preserving the state’s peace and security.
Speaking at an event where 23 vehicles were distributed to traditional leaders, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Sunday, the governor attributed the success of the state’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity to the collaboration between traditional leaders and security agencies.
“They have been working day and night, sharing intelligence with security agents and ensuring that they are always close to our people at the community level. That is the reason why our non-kinetic approach towards addressing insecurity is working.
“Without the support of our traditional leaders, we would not have achieved security and stability in Kaduna State. That is why today, we are not only supporting but encouraging you,” he said.
The governor praised the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for facilitating the distribution of vehicles to traditional leaders.
“This is to motivate you, because we cannot achieve much without synergy between the traditional institution, religious leaders, community leaders, and the relevant security agencies in Kaduna State,” he said.
Sani noted that Kaduna State has been peaceful for the past two years, with no record of ethno-religious or communal clashes. “Kaduna State is now one of the most peaceful sub-nationals in the country,” he said.
The governor highlighted his past achievements as a senator, including bringing interventions worth over ₦20 billion to the state.
Notably, the Faculty of Engineering at Kaduna State University, valued at over ₦12 billion, is nearing completion through the efforts of the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Mohammed Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The governor stressed that synergy between government officials and influential figures is crucial for the state’s progress. “That is the synergy we are talking about,” he said, referencing the collaboration on the university project.
“Despite the fact that we couldn’t complete it before we left the Senate, one of the sons of Kaduna State, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Mohammed Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, is working closely with the Right Honourable Speaker to ensure that the project is completed. That is the synergy we are talking about,” he added.
The distribution of vehicles, according to Speaker Abbas earlier, was a part of a larger partnership with the governor to enhance the role of traditional leaders in governance and peacebuilding.
“These vehicles are not just for ceremonial purposes; they are meant to serve as essential working tools to aid our traditional rulers in reaching every part of their chiefdoms and emirates,” he said.
The Speaker revealed plans to extend car support and the refurbishment of palaces across all three senatorial districts in the state, incorporated in the 2025 federal budget.
He also revealed that the ongoing constitution amendment will include provisions to grant traditional rulers a formal role in Nigeria’s governance structure.
“I want to assure you that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to carve out a prominent role for our traditional rulers beginning from 2026,” he said.
