Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has firmly stated that no one can genuinely claim to stand for justice or advocate for the poor while simultaneously funding or negotiating with bandits.
In an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, the governor emphasized that his administration is committed to supporting victims of violence—not rewarding those who perpetrate it.
He explained that the wave of insecurity plaguing the North-West is primarily fueled by economic hardship, unlike the ideological roots of Boko Haram’s insurgency in the North-East.
Addressing past accusations that he intended to make payments to bandits, Governor Sani dismissed the claims as baseless and misaligned with his principles.
“When confronting security issues, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes,” he said. “Boko Haram’s activities are driven by ideology, but in the North-West, the crisis stems mostly from economic conditions. When I took office, there were rumors that I planned to pay off bandits. But I was clear—a person who has spent his life fighting for justice and the underprivileged cannot sit with criminals and hand them money.”
Instead, the governor highlighted his administration’s investment in rehabilitating victims.
“Just two weeks ago, we launched a housing initiative, handing over new homes to people affected by insurgency,” he said. “I haven’t given a single naira to any bandit. But I’ve provided shelter and support to those they’ve terrorized.”
