Kaduna gov warns against threats to Nigeria’s democracy

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against moves by opposition elements to undermine democracy, emphasising the need for collective responsibility and commitment to constitutional governance.

Sani made the call on Friday in Kaduna at a state banquet for the Presidential Media Team touring Federal Government projects in the North-West, where he highlighted ongoing development efforts in the region.

He commended the team for showcasing infrastructure projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in Kaduna State, urging citizens not to be swayed by “self-serving narratives” driven by political interests.

“Some of us lost our freedoms. We went to detention. We fought for this democracy,” Sani said, recalling sacrifices made by journalists and pro-democracy activists during Nigeria’s period of military rule.

The governor specifically mentioned late journalists Bagauda Kaltho and Dele Giwa, while lauding presidential aides Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Tunde Rahman for defending democracy and promoting government achievements.

“People must realise that we had many sleepless nights in the past, fighting for democracy,” Sani said, emphasising the importance of safeguarding democratic gains made over the years.

Earlier, the Presidential Media Team commended infrastructure development by the Federal and Kaduna State governments, following inspections of key projects across the state during the official tour.

Projects inspected included the 35-kilometre Gadan-Gayam-Gwaraji-Kujama roads, a Skills Acquisition Centre and the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, alongside other ongoing development initiatives in the state.

The delegation, led by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, included Sunday Dare, Tunde Rahman, Otega Ogra and Tope Ajayi.

The tour, organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, also featured inspection of the Kaduna-Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi railway project.

Onanuga described Kaduna’s transformation as evidence of effective use of increased allocations under Tinubu’s fiscal reforms, noting that previously neglected communities were now benefiting from infrastructure development.

“Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated that he was not just an armchair critic, given the opportunity, he pursues the public good,” Onanuga said.

A Project Desk Officer at the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Abdullahi Yakubu, said the Kaduna-Kano section of the rail project had reached 68 per cent completion and was expected to be completed by December.