Ramalan Yero: Practical peace advocate By Mahmoon Baba-Ahmed Kaduna Township, capital of Kaduna State, is exceptionally unique, being the only one of its kind in the federation. Its status as the only town founded by colonial masters makes it special and worthy of note. It is customarily called ‘Garin Gwamna’ being the only town earlier ruled by Europeans in place of traditional or independent ruler. Still many refer to it as ‘Namijin Gari’ meaning a highly cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic settlement. It was the headquarters of the defunct Northern Nigeria where all Nigerians were accorded equal rights and have enjoyed the same privilege. Ever since, Kaduna Township has been an environment in which different events take place frequently, many with undesirable consequences. From the colonial era to the epoch of the first Premier of the region, the great Sardauna of Sokoto, it had always been the same. Both battled with serious tendencies that threatened to tear the region apart. Even the Sardauna had once stated that ruling the North from Kaduna was thankless, unremitting and unrewarding experience. With the death of Sardauna and the subsequent fragmentation of the North into the present 19 state-structure, Kaduna State became its natural successor, inheriting all the problems and difficulties associated with it, especially the occasional disagreement and conflicts that trigger violence between more than 200 ethnic groups with differing objectives and views. Needless to say the co-existence of large number of ethnic groupings is always a source of infrequent friction capable of causing tension in the region. Conservative estimate put the number of ethnic stocks in Kaduna State at 57 with two predominant religions: Islam and Christianity. It is therefore easy to record quarrels that could lead to squabbles due to a spectrum of opinions between the intricate tribal assemblages. It is on record that Kaduna State is one of the flashpoints in the country where unrest could break out suddenly as a result of social or political tension. Previous administrations have battled hard to quell various violent eruptions through their ingenious means of averting further spread and lessen their unpleasant consequences. When Mukhtar Ramalan Yero became the Executive Governor of Kaduna State he immediately began to organize people and gather resources in readiness for action against all forms of destabilizing forces in the state, especially those connected with violence and unnecessary hostilities. He had quickly identified the causes of possible peace breaches and devised feasible strategies for neutralizing them. That was to enable him take early preventive measure instead of the typical fire-brigade approach. Governor Yero is conversant with the hurriedly designed plans of action of his predecessors in combating outbreaks of violence and has consequently perfected such ideas in order to evolve a strategy that will enable him nip in the bud any potentially dangerous situation before it is manifested. Additionally, Governor Yero has extensively studied the social complexities of Kaduna State and how the various ethnic groupings interact and the nature of their communal relationships and collective responsibilities. That enabled him appreciate their behavioral tendencies as well as the recognition of factors that foster antagonism and acrimony among them especially those provoking conflicts and religious intolerance. Governor Mukhtar is not unmindful of the wanton destruction visited on the state by unwarranted religious disturbances and social upheavals; he was familiar with their causes; the pattern of their development and those who agitate them. That explains why he is always prudent, using good judgment to consider likely consequences of events and then act accordingly. He cannot act otherwise in his pragmatic approach to contentious issues in Kaduna State which is hard to govern due to its unpredictable and explosive nature. He is now steady and unyielding, unable to be swayed or diverted from his resolve to exterminate evil forces and negative influences that had been destabilizing Kaduna State. His expressions and body language at different occasions is that of peace and how to achieve it. He is cautious and careful and at all times firm but fair in his conduct or treatment of other people. He knows pretty well that for the peace he ardently craves to endure, he must lay a solid foundation on which equity and justice must grow vigorously. That was one sure way of building a violent-free, stable and democratic society where people are equal and should enjoy the same social, political and economic rights and opportunities. The people of Kaduna State have now begun to comprehend the mission and the course of action adopted by Governor Yero based on the principles of accountability and transparency which he has been exhorting all public officers to adhere to. Accordingly, they are satisfied with his commendable style of leadership which they believe will augur well for a state already harmed by a succession of destructive disturbances that stunted its progress. With peace once again reigning, the people have now resolved to rally round and accord Governor Mukhtar Yero unalloyed support which will assist in restoring the lost glory of his auspicious State which is a hotbed for hostilities with a heavy hangover of colonial mentality.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 15:05:07 +0000
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