The Lere Local Government Unity Associations Forum has voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of its representatives in the programme booklet for the recently held Southern Kaduna Festival 2024 in Kafanchan.
Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, the forum’s chairman, Barr. Nasiru Bello Dembo, described the action as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent Lere Local Government’s identity.
The forum expressed its disappointment with the festival organisers, including the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations (DDAs Forum), Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, and Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU).
Why Lere Says “No”
According to the forum, naming Hon. Munir Ahmed Mohammed, Hon. Munira S. Tanimu, Hon. Gatari Idris Bashir, and Hon. Jafaru Ahmed as representatives of Southern Kaduna was intentional and aimed at pushing hidden agendas.
In a joint statement signed by Barr. Dembo and the forum’s secretary, Mal. Ahmad S. Idris, they clarified that Lere Local Government has no constitutional, political, cultural, or traditional ties to Southern Kaduna.
> “The inclusion of our Honourable Members as part of Southern Kaduna is grossly misleading. Sections 71 and 72 of the 1999 Constitution clearly place Lere in the Kaduna North Senatorial District, alongside Ikara, Kubau, Makarfi, Kudan, Soba, Sabon Gari, and Zaria.
Associating us with Southern Kaduna is simply inaccurate,” the statement read.
The forum also referred to past resolutions, including a 2002 memorandum and another submitted in April 2024, which firmly rejected any affiliation with Southern Kaduna or the movement for the creation of Gurara State.
> “Our people have spoken repeatedly. We are not part of Southern Kaduna, nor will we ever support the push for Gurara State. Such claims are against our historical, cultural, and political affiliations,” they stressed.
The forum accused the festival organisers of violating constitutional provisions and undermining the legitimate interests of others.
Citing Section 24 (c) and (d) of the 1999 Constitution, they urged the organisers to respect the rights and dignity of citizens while advocating for peace and unity in Kaduna State.
> “We call on the organisers to avoid labelling our members as Southern Kaduna representatives. Let’s build peace and stick to constitutional provisions, rather than resorting to divisive tactics,” the forum concluded.
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