Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has urged politicians to separate criticism of government policies from actions that undermine Nigeria's unity amid ongoing security challenges. Speaking during a courtesy visit by Department of State Services directors, he emphasised patriotism and warned against exploiting security issues for personal gain. Sani highlighted the need for leaders to prioritise national interest over selfish motives.
On Friday, November 7, 2025, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State addressed top directors from the Department of State Services (DSS) during their courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House. He called on politicians to distinguish between legitimate criticism of government policies and efforts that could harm the country's corporate existence, especially under the current security situation.
Sani urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and avoid politicising security matters, noting that Nigeria surpasses any individual's selfish interests. He criticised some politicians for tarnishing the nation's image in the media under the guise of opposition, labelling them as 'anti-democratic forces.' The governor argued that while political office holders come and go, the country endures.
'As a governor, you can criticise me, but when you act in a manner that will cause disaffection or tarnish the image of the country or disturb the peace of Kaduna State, you have become a merchant of conflict,' Sani stated. Recalling his past as a civil rights advocate, he referenced Chief Gani Fawehinmi's advice to separate the nation from its leaders in activism.
He pointed out that many current opposition figures were absent during the struggle against military rule that secured Nigeria's democracy. Sani warned elites against using their positions to undermine security for the vulnerable, who bear the consequences. 'If anything happens, these people in the GRAs whose families are abroad will just leave the country and allow the poor and vulnerable to bear the consequences of their actions,' he added.
The governor condemned sending masses' children to protest while elites' families are abroad, calling it unpatriotic and the work of 'conflict entrepreneurs.' He accused some of exploiting religion for political gain despite peaceful coexistence in affluent areas. Sani described such politicians as 'insecurity merchants' benefiting from instability.
Emphasising unity, he told religious leaders that Muslims and Christians in Kaduna must embrace each other. 'I don’t look at you from the lenses of religion; it is your character that I care about and not your religion,' he said. Sani commended National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, security agency heads, and DSS Director-General Mr Adeola Ajayi for their efforts against security challenges.