Overcoming tragedy, Kaduna regains balance

But no one can forget how this providence was the product of tragic circumstances, namely the passing in a helicopter crash of the man to whom he was a loyal deputy for two years, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.   Given its cosmopolitan composition and complex political mix, it is remarkable that Kaduna has held together in […]

But no one can forget how this providence was the product of tragic circumstances, namely the passing in a helicopter crash of the man to whom he was a loyal deputy for two years, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.   Given its cosmopolitan composition and complex political mix, it is remarkable that Kaduna has held together in the state, thanks to the a priori recognition by Governor Yero that maintaining and sustaining peace would require giving every section, every community and, as far as possible, every one, a sense of belonging.   
The prevailing situation some years ago in Kaduna was characterised by high level insecurity, fear and suspicion among the different communities, religious and ethnic.  
There were fears therefore that the transition from a governor who was Christian to another who is Muslim, would follow the trajectory in people’s consciousness, that it would be marked by violence. However, one must give thanks first to God that the violence was at the level of verbal exchanges; the bloodshed that some envisioned did not happen.
Governor Mukhtar Yero had shown from the outset that he is committed to building lasting peace and reuniting the people of Kaduna State; and he has applied himself diligently to achieving that goal.
One year on, that mission is bearing fruits. In the last one year, the state has enjoyed relative calm, which has expectedly translated into increase in commercial and social activities. This has become evident as Kaduna was recently declared to top the list of Northern states in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The state has toppled Kano state which is known to be the commercial hub of the North and the highest revenue earner. This is a direct impact of sustainable peace and stability that presently prevails in Kaduna.
The contribution and support of the people in the peace building process must be acknowledged as should Yero’s leadership that created that environment for it.  There were peace and security sessions convened by Yero in all the three senatorial zones of the state, which Yero personally attended and to which he took his message of peace and unity to the people. At all the sessions, stakeholders including traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians, youths and religious leaders were allowed to freely ventilate their opinions on probable causative factors of past crises as well as proffer ways of avoiding reoccurrence.  
The initiative has now been localized in all villages and communities in the state. The cheering news is that, several communities have sustained the dialogue sessions, with many achieving the desired signing of peace agreements to collaborate in maintaining security in their area. According to the governor, the positive development has further spurred his administration to forge ahead with its target of reintegrating the people of the state. It is observed that gradually people are beginning to feel more secured in all parts of the state, even when they stroll into areas that were initially perceived as ‘enemy territories’.
It may take time, but with consistent effort by government and genuine commitment of all stakeholders in sustaining the peace building process, it is possible to actualise Yero goal, which is re-enacting the Kaduna of the past, where people of diverse backgrounds lived together side by side as neighbours. It is interesting also to note that, at the moment, there are a number of communities that defied the series of crises, by remaining together irrespective of difference in religion or tribe.
Examples within Kaduna city are, Kurmin Mashi, Hayin Banki, Malali, Kakuri, Barnawa etc. Such communities now serve as models of harmonious coexistence in diversity.
As the product of a particular circumstance, the Yero administration has also strived within the last one year to implement a budget that was put together by the late Yakowa. Either out of political sagacity or mere emotion, the governor committed himself wholeheartedly to continue with all projects and polices of his late predecessor, another plus in the effort to reassure diverse sections of the state. As one who follows development in the state, it was clear at some point that, the present administration is faced with difficulty of ensuring that all contractors kept to their terms of agreements with the state government. It became apparent after the governor toured some roads project few months ago, that some contractors were under-performing, even after they were paid substantial chunks of the contract sums.  
One thing is also clear from what has happened in the last one year, and that is patience from and understanding of the people is vital ingredient for peace to flourish.  As the governor pointed out recently, he would that environment to prepare the administration’s own budget for 2014, which is expected to kick-start significant project implementation in the state, even though some, including several roads, schools, water projects, youths empowerment, have been on the priority list of the government in the last one year.
As we march towards 2014, the positive changes that people yearn for cannot happen in atmosphere of chaos and communal antagonism.  The gains that Yero’s policies have engendered can be sustained and enhanced, given the support of the people.  Good can emerge from anguish; this is evidently one example.

Abdullahi wrote Kaduna<[email protected]>;