Stop Insulting Religious Leaders on Social Media — Gov. Uba Sani caution Nigerians

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has cautioned politicians and social media users against the growing trend of insulting and maligning religious leaders online, warning that such actions could erode the moral and spiritual backbone of the society. Speaking during an interactive session with religious and traditional rulers in Kaduna on Monday, the governor stressed […]

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has cautioned politicians and social media users against the growing trend of insulting and maligning religious leaders online, warning that such actions could erode the moral and spiritual backbone of the society.

Speaking during an interactive session with religious and traditional rulers in Kaduna on Monday, the governor stressed that religious leaders play a vital role in promoting peace and unity and deserve to be respected.

“I always say, if we allow our religious leaders to be insulted, to be condemned unnecessarily, we will not have a country, much less a state. Whenever things are bad, we go to them for prayers,” he declared.

The governor expressed concern over how some political actors, often in “alliance with unprincipled elements”, resort to smear campaigns on social media targeting respected clerics.

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He urged leaders and citizens alike to resist the temptation to abuse or disrespect religious figures for political or personal gain, emphasizing that such actions threaten the peaceful coexistence enjoyed in Kaduna and across the country.

Governor Uba Sani also reflected on the key role religious leaders have played in fostering peace in Kaduna State since he assumed office over two years ago.

“Without them, we cannot be standing here celebrating peace in Kaduna State,” he said, acknowledging their unwavering support and guidance in times of crisis.

He criticized the tendency among politicians to abandon religious leaders after elections, only to return seeking their support when the next polls approach.

“We only remember them when it is a month or two to elections. We go to them using sentiments, using religion so that they can support us,” he lamented.

Reiterating the value of sustained collaboration, he said, “Religious leaders are important stakeholders in our country, that is why we believe that we need you now to guide us and not to rush to you only during elections.”

Governor Sani recounted that religious leaders had provided him with invaluable advice at the start of his administration on achieving peace, unity, and stability in the state.

“That is why I am here to explain to you what we have done in the last two years, in the area of security, education, healthcare and social security, since we came into office,” he said.

He also highlighted the success of the Kaduna Peace Model, a non-kinetic approach to conflict resolution now being emulated by other states, and credited religious and traditional leaders, community members, and security agencies for their joint efforts.

“Today by the grace of God and with your prayers, people can go to Birnin Gwari with their eyes closed. That is an achievement,” he noted proudly.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to engaging religious and traditional stakeholders in all security-related decisions, insisting that lasting peace is only achievable through community ownership and trust.

“We made it clear that we can’t deploy security to any community without engaging the stakeholders. They will initiate the programme, own it, and then government will come in,” he said.