Security in Kaduna: The giant stride made by Governor Uba Sani -By Jabir T. Usman

In a democratic setting, you can’t deprive dissenting voices from constructive criticism and airing their opinions on government policies and decisions, because that is what distinguish democracy from anarchy and military dictatorship. The naysayers were pessimistic about the recently “peace deal” brokered by the Kaduna State government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Malam Uba Sani the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, while in the side of the optimists where i also belongs to; confidently and firmly believe that the peace deal will yield a positive impact by the Devine power of the Almighty.

Because, peace has never been achieve at the battle field until coming back to the negotiation table, to buttress this point, let me give some recent instances where negotiation led to the development of peace and harmony between different feuding parties that have engaged in a fierce battle for many years, which resulted to severe damage for the both parties during the years of their hostility.

1. On January 17, 2025 both Israel and Hamas agreed to multi-phase ceasefire in Gaza, a development initiatiated by Qatar. It’s a war that lasted for more than 50 years without meaningful solution except weighty devastation.

2. On May 17, 2024, South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity and opposition groups signed a peace pact to enhance efforts towards lasting peace and stability. The agreement, Known as the Tumaini Hope Initiative, was facilitated by Kenya and focuses on ending hostilies and promoting inclusive government and growth. South Sudan engulfed in a series of tribal and civil war one year after gotten independence from Sudan which created political instability in the country.

3. Myanmar ceasefire Agreement on January 20, 2025, between the Myanmar Military and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). Civil War began to escalate significantly since 2021 after the coup that led to the overthrown of the democratic government. The feuding parties compromise their interest and embrace peace because they realized that there is no gains in the War.

4. Ethiopia and Eritrea brokered a peace deal in 2018, marking the end of a 20 year conflict between the two nations. The peace agreement was formalized through two key events: The 2018 Eritrea-Ethiopia summit in Asmara, Eritrea on July 8-9, 2018, and the Jeddah agreement signed in Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2018. This simply signifies that the 20 years war didn’t produce a meaningful result.

5. The Amnesty program initiated by the late former president Umaru Yar’Adua for the Niger-Delta militants, serve as a reference point to us, showing the importance of Dialogue as an antidote to conflict.

It is against this backdrop, you will simply deduce the paramount importance of embracing an olive-branch between these warring parties is the only solution left to them, since the conflict they have engaged in for many years couldn’t settle their grievances.

That is why, governor Uba sani in his wisdom formalized an “Amnesty” to the armed bandits in Kaduna State, because he understand that the amnesty will be the only panacea to the heightened insecurity bedevelling the state which is taking the state backwards.

This remarkable development initiated by Governor Uba Sani is worthy of commendation in the history of Kaduna State. Governor Uba Sani has also demonstrated foresight in implementing the Amnesty for those confrontational elements wrecking havoc in the various communities in Kaduna State. It is worth noting that governor Uba Sani has been applauded by the general public and security stakeholders for his efforts and achievements in proffering pragmatic solutions to the security challenges in the state, including his strategy in promoting peace-building dialogue. To sustain these gains, that is why governor Uba Sani made the wise decision for appointing a seasoned administrator, politician, a Lawyer, and security expert with vast experience in security issues Barr. Dr. James Kanyip as the Hon. Commissioner Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs.

Embarking his task with focus and determination, Barr. James Kanyip in an unusual action by a personality who assume the position of political office. The gesture extended by Mr. Kanyip as a newly appointed Hon. Commissioner Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs to Defence Headquarters, and met with the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa during the recent festive period is an exceptional moves. Because, Mr. Kanyip was very much aware of the intricacies and burden attached to his office, that is why he didn’t relent and distracted by the break of any festivity he went to meet with the Chief of Defence Staff in order to map out a strategy on how to tackle the insecurity challenges affecting Kaduna State at a very convenient moment.

His ongoing tour across the security troubling local government councils in Kaduna State, conducting town halls and stakeholders meetings with the critical stakeholders in various communities highlights his readiness and preparedness in proferring permanent solution to the insecurity challenge is a job well done, because it is an indication of his capacity to meet up with the challenges.

Fortunately, being that the Chief of Defence Staff is an indigene of Kaduna State by origin, Mr. Kanyip utilizes this opportunity in establishing a strong bond with him, working in synergy with the patriotic Chief of Defence Staff to bring the end of the devastating insecurity challenges. The Hon. Commissioner invited the CDS on a mission to visits some nook and cranny of Kaduna State to determine the strategy they will implement; in order to initiate a lasting solution to the problems of security challenges in Kaduna State.

Indeed, Governor Sani has wonderfully appointed the person in a role whose positive impact has started manifesting in a short time. May God bless our state and give us a lasting peace.

©Jabir T. Usman writes from Sabon Gari Tudun Wada Kaduna jabson.usman@gmail.com