Ex-minister hails Kaduna governor for promoting Christian-Muslim unity

Former Minister of Aviation and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode, has commended the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for fostering peaceful coexistence and strengthening unity between Christians and Muslims in the state.

Fani-Kayode gave the commendation on Saturday during the 2025 Synod of the Diocese of Kafanchan, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

He noted that Governor Sani’s administration had renewed the hopes of Southern Kaduna Christians, who, according to him, had in the past suffered marginalisation and persecution.

“He has made deliberate efforts to reconcile Christians and Muslims in the state. The governor has provided hope and support for Southern Kaduna Christians who once faced persecution,” he said.

The former minister described Sani’s emergence as “divine intervention,” saying,

“The governor you have today came as a consequence of prayer. God raised a humane leader in the person of Senator Uba Sani.”

Fani-Kayode recalled what he called the dark days of religious tension and discrimination in Kaduna State and across the country.

“There was a time when all 17 security chiefs in Nigeria were Muslims from the North, and Christians were discriminated against because of their faith, especially in Kaduna State,” he said.

Referencing the 2016 Christmas Day attacks in Southern Kaduna, where over 800 people were killed, the APC stalwart noted that peace had since returned under Sani’s leadership.

“The killings in Southern Kaduna came to an end when Senator Uba Sani assumed office. Today, the state is more united and peaceful,” he added.

Fani-Kayode also praised the governor for creating the Kaduna Elders Forum, comprising both Christian and Muslim leaders, to promote dialogue and understanding.

“One of the first things the governor did was to build a platform where Christians and Muslims could coexist peacefully,” he said.

He recalled seeing a video of the governor entering a church and removing his cap as a sign of respect, describing the gesture as deeply moving.

“That act showed humility and genuine respect for our faith,” he said.

Fani-Kayode urged both Christians and Muslims in Kaduna to continue working together in peace and mutual respect.

“If you lost a child during the time of terror, just as Mahatma Gandhi told the Hindus, find a Muslim child to adopt,” he advised.
“In faith, we are one. We may worship differently, but the overwhelming majority of Muslims are decent, God-fearing, and hardworking people who wish to live in peace with everyone.”