Southern Kaduna Group Rejects Rally for Ex-Gov El-Rufai, Backs Graft Probe

BY: ABUBAKAR LABARAN.

A prominent socio-political group, the Coalition of Southern Kaduna Progressive Minds, has firmly distanced the region from a Wednesday rally held in Kafanchan that was intended to show solidarity with the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition labeled the protest a political charade orchestrated by outsiders.

In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Jehu Dogo, and Secretary, Honourable Najib Mohammed, the group asserted that the organizers were faceless and their agenda did not reflect the will of the Southern Kaduna populace.

"The perpetrators of this failed protest do not represent the authentic voice of Southern Kaduna," the statement read. "Their identities are questionable, their motives suspicious, and their loyalty clearly aligned with political forces seeking to smuggle the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into the region through manufactured unrest."

The coalition described the rally as a desperate and misguided attempt by detractors to create instability. It suggested the protest was a direct reaction to the growing popularity and visible developmental projects of the current administration led by Governor Uba Sani.

"The so-called protest was a desperate political stunt by envious sponsors who are clearly unsettled by the overwhelming acceptance and visible developmental strides of the current administration under the visionary leadership of Senator Uba Sani," the statement continued. "Their mission was not rooted in justice, fairness, or public interest, but in a desperate attempt to test the resolve of a politically conscious people who have only recently recovered from years of alienation and deliberate sidelining."

The group issued a stern warning that any effort to drag Southern Kaduna into externally orchestrated political schemes would be met with firm and peaceful resistance. While affirming the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the coalition cautioned against its abuse. "The constitutional right to peaceful protest remains respected," they noted, "but it must not be abused as a tool for political mischief, misinformation, or destabilization."

In a significant show of support for the federal government, the coalition threw its weight behind the ongoing investigation of the former governor by security and anti-graft agencies. "We are fully in support of the ongoing investigation of Malam Nasir El-Rufai by relevant security and anti-graft agencies," the statement declared. "No individual is above the law."

The group took the opportunity to praise the incumbent Governor, Uba Sani, for what it described as a deliberate effort to integrate and develop Southern Kaduna after years of perceived neglect. "Governor Uba Sani’s administration has, with deliberate intention and uncommon sincerity, restored dignity, inclusiveness, and balance across Kaduna State," they stated. "His leadership has prioritized meaningful infrastructure, human capital development, and equitable governance, driven by genuine love, compassion, and respect for all segments of society."

The coalition called on the youth and stakeholders of Southern Kaduna to remain vigilant and focused, urging them to resist being used as instruments of division or political manipulation.