By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has declared that his administration has zero tolerance for individuals or groups seeking to breach peace and security in Kaduna State, describing the polity as diverse and delicate.

The governor said while his administration welcomes constructive criticism from the opposition, it would not condone the deliberate spread of falsehood aimed at fomenting crisis.

He spoke on Monday while hosting heads of security agencies to Iftar, the Muslim breaking of fast at dusk, where he stressed that freedom of speech must not be weaponized to incite violence or destabilize the state .

Some people sit comfortably in their homes and circulate rumours on social media. Freedom of speech is not a licence to spread fake news that could lead to the loss of lives and property. We will not accept that in Kaduna State,” he said.

According to him, Kaduna remains home to people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, owing to the hospitable and accommodating nature of its residents, and the government is determined to preserve that harmony.

The governor reminded security chiefs that political activities would intensify soon, with party primaries scheduled to commence in April and conclude in May, in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He cautioned that politicians who lose out in the contests might resort to playing the victim by spreading misinformation to create confusion, urging security agencies to remain vigilant.
Gov. Uba Sani also called for stronger synergy between security agencies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and religious leaders at the grassroots to enhance intelligence gathering and sustain peace.

He commended the focus, commitment and cooperation of security agencies with his administration, reiterating that Kaduna State has not recorded any ethno-religious crisis since he assumed office.

While noting that the state is relatively peaceful, the governor said his administration remains open to fresh ideas and strategies to further tackle challenges of banditry and kidnapping.