By Uche Onyeali, Abuja
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has given reasons his administration entered into a peace pact with terrorists in the state.
The Governor who gave the disclosure in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, monitored by AljazirahNigeria, in response to critics of the initiative, stressed that his priority was to preserve lives and ensure enduring peace in the state.
Sani clarified that the decision followed six months of dialogue and did not involve any payment to the terrorists.
“If even one person were to be killed in Kaduna, it’s better for me to have the peace pact. Otherwise, Almighty Allah will hold me accountable because I took an oath”, he said.
The Governor further emphasised that his administration did not offer any monetary incentive to the terrorists to secure the agreement.
“I want to assure you that not even one Naira was given to them”, he reiterated, adding that the peace pact was facilitated with the support of traditional rulers and religious leaders, who played a vital role during the six months of discreet negotiations.
Governor Sani noted that one of the preconditions for the reconciliation was the release of all captives held by the terrorists.
He revealed that approximately 200 individuals were freed as a result of the talks, which he believes signals the sincerity of the agreement.
“They released the people to us. Now, business and farming activities are flourishing in our communities. That’s why I am assuring the communities that we will continue to pray and sustain the relief achieved”, the Governor said.
The Governor expressed optimism that the peace pact would hold, citing the positive changes already evident in the state.
He assured Kaduna residents that his administration is committed to maintaining peace and fostering development.
Though, the peace initiative has attracted mixed reactions, the Governor maintained that ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Kaduna remained his top priority.
