The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has cautioned the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, against an inflammatory statement.
Ata was reacting to a statement credited to the former Kano State governor that there are plans from Lagos to colonize the northern region, warning the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement to refrain from making statements that could further divide the country.
Grassroots Parrot had reported how Kwankwaso, who made the allegation while delivering a speech during the convocation ceremony of Skyline University, Kano, also claimed that Lagos has been on the way to the issue of emirates tussle in Kano State.
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But the minister, in a statement issued by his media aide, Adamu Aminu, on Monday, noted that Kwankwaso’s words carry significant weight and can have far-reaching consequences, potentially heating up the polity.
The minister disclosed that the issue of Kano emirate is still pending in court, and Kwankwaso’s recent remarks may be perceived as contempt of court.
He, however, urged Kwankwaso to consider the impact of his words and promote constructive dialogue instead.
“As leaders, we must prioritize national unity and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that can exacerbate tensions.
“By promoting calm and respectful discourse, we can work together towards a more harmonious and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” the minister said.