Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has defended his administration’s decision to enter into a peace pact with terrorists in the State.
In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service, monitored on Monday, the governor clarified that the decision followed six months of dialogue and did not involve any payments to the terrorists. He stated that his priority is to preserve lives and ensure peace.
“We did not offer them any money; not even one Naira was given to them. Our priority is to ensure that our people are safe and that there is peace in the State”, he stated.
The peace pact was facilitated with the support of traditional rulers and religious leaders, who played a vital role during the six months of discreet negotiations.
The governor stated that one of the pre-conditions for reconciliation was the release of all captives held by the terrorists, which resulted in the freedom of approximately 200 individuals.
Sani stated that he believes that this development signals the sincerity of the agreement and has led to positive changes in the state, including the flourishing of business and farming activities. “We are committed to ensuring that the peace pact holds. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the state”, he emphasised.
The peace initiative has met with mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that it is a sign of weakness on the part of the government.
However, Sani maintained that ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Kaduna remained his top priority. “As a governor, I took an oath to protect the lives and property of our citizens. If entering into a peace pact with terrorists will save even one life, then it is a decision worth taking”, he added.
