The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has commended the collaboration by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, towards tackling insecurity in the state.
Ango Bally, Chairman of the forum, made this known in a press statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Kaduna.
According to him, the synergy has led to the establishment of three new military commands in Samaru Zango-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari, in addition to a base to be set up by the Air Force in Millennium City, Chikun Local Area.
He said the strategic moves would significantly help in addressing the protracted banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats in the region while enhancing agricultural activities in the state.
Bally said, “The forum is optimistic that the deployment of additional military personnel would significantly improve security and enable farmers to access their lands without fear.”
He listed the communities as Maro-Kajuru, Kauru, Sanga, Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas that have been witnessing persistent banditry attacks.
Bally added, ” A robust military presence in the areas, will no doubt bring sanity by boosting citizens, farmer’s confidence for robust agricultural activities to combat poverty and unemployment across the state.”
The forum also commended the governor’s initiative to further enhance security across the state by distributing 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorbikes to various security agencies.
The forum equally recognised Sani’s laudable efforts in uniting the state towards achieving sustainable peace through the formation of the Kaduna Elders’ Forum to help chart a new course for the unity and development of the state.
The forum congratulated Sani for marking one year in office and particularly lauded his efforts towards inclusive governance as evident with the recent inauguration of development projects that cut across Southern and Northern parts of the state.
Bally said, ”However, we are calling on the governor to take deliberate practical steps to reconcile the regrettable retrogressive politics by building bridges of unity and inclusive politics across the state for sustainable development to be achieved.”
In the same vein, the forum called on Sani to demonstrate the pro-democracy, rule of law to respect, implement the court judgment which nullified the dethronement of Piriga traditional ruler, Chief Jonathan Zamuna.
Bally said, “Justice Bashir Attahiru Alkali’s judgement of the National Industrial Court sitting in Kaduna, had on June 10, declared the dethronement of Chief Zamuna null and void for lack of fair hearing and ordered for his reinstatement with all salaries arrears paid and all privileges restored within 30 days.
”The court also ordered the Kaduna state government to pay Chief Zamuna N10 million damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights. The copy of judgement has already been released.