New Rigasa

Is Zamani Lekwot an Elder Statesman?

By Nura Bako Zango
03/08/2025

In a country still grappling with the wounds of ethno-religious conflicts and insecurity, the use of titles carries weight—especially when used by those in power. A recent statement by the serving governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, referring to retired Major General Zamani Lekwot as an “elder statesman” during a condolence visit has raised eyebrows and rekindled bitter memories among many Nigerians who view him through a very different lens. As they say "History does not forgive." It's what one did that would be said about/against him.

For decades, the name Zamani Lekwot has not evoked the image of an elderly voice of peace and wisdom but rather conjured painful recollections of conflict, death, genocide and division—especially in the hearts of the Muslims who suffered during the infamous Zangon Kataf crisis of 1992, which he orchestrated and masterminded and his tribesmen executed.

Who is an Elder Statesman?

Traditionally, an elder statesman is a retired leader—often political or military—who has risen above partisan politics to become a unifying figure, a voice of moral authority, and a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and wisdom. Elder statesmen are those whose lives and records reflect integrity, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the common good of their country and its citizens.

Applying this label to someone with a record of divisiveness, incitement, terrorism, genocide and unresolved allegations of mass violence stretches the term to a dangerous breaking point.

Zamani Lekwot’s military career, though commendable in discipline and rank, became tainted by his role in the Zangon Kataf ethno-religious violence that saw hundreds of innocent Muslims lives lost.. He was arrested, tried, and convicted by tribunals for his alleged role in the Zangon Kataf massacre, though later granted state pardon. While many, especially the victims of his terrorism, continue to debate the fairness of the trial, the undeniable fact remains: under his influence and command, blood was shed, communities were torn apart, and distrust was sown.

Those who lived through the crisis and lost loved ones see Lekwot not as a statesman, but as a symbol of a dark past that has never truly healed.

To put the title into further perspective, let’s compare Lekwot's legacy with globally known figures associated with terror and conflict:

Joseph Kony, the Ugandan warlord behind the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), was responsible for atrocities across central Africa. Though originally a self-proclaimed prophet and rebel leader, no one would dare call him a statesman.

Radovan Karadžić, the Bosnian Serb leader during the Yugoslav Wars, was tried for genocide and war crimes. Despite his former political office, international law treated him as a war criminal—not a respected elder.

If Zamani Lekwot is an elder statesman to the incumbent governor of Kaduna State, then figures like Abubakar Shekau of Boko Haram, Gana of Benue State notoriety or Bello Turji, should be respectfully applauded and be given the same title of "elder statesmen", because both of them are birds of a feather. Shekau for example should have been decorated by the Borno state government as an elder statesman and co-chair of Borno state Elders forum just to score cheap political points. To be honest, terrorists should be treated as terrorists except if they repent and seek forgiveness from God and the families of their victims they have terrorised. Then, why is Kaduna State different? Is our government celebrating terrorists and decorating them with venerable titles for political gain?

Why then should Zamani Lekwot, whose name is tied to mass bloodshed and deep ethnic strife, be an exception?

When state leaders decorate controversial figures with honorable titles, it sends a dangerous signal: that the state forgets, or worse, forgives atrocities without justice or reconciliation. It dishonors the memory of the victims and erodes public trust in leadership.

Calling Zamani Lekwot an elder statesman may be politically expedient for some, but it is morally insensitive, socially divisive, and historically dishonest.

Nigeria’s fragile unity and ongoing struggle with insecurity demand leaders who are sincere about peace and justice—not those who glorify controversial legacies for convenience. Zamani Lekwot may have worn a uniform, commanded troops, and aged into his later years—but that does not automatically confer upon him the revered status of an elder statesman especially to the victims of Zangon Kataf that he had murdered in cold blood.

If we must move forward as a nation, we must be careful with the honours we bestow and the legacies we choose to sanitize. Let history be fair—but let it also be honest.

We Call for Construction of Intercommunity Roads as We Appreciate the Completion of Hayin Malam Bello Bridge

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani for the reconstruction of the Hayin Malam Bello Bridge—a long-awaited and much-needed project for the people of Rigasa.

Its completion marks a significant step forward and brings hope to thousands of residents who rely on it daily for movement, business, education, and access to healthcare.

As we celebrate this milestone, we respectfully renew our call to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani for the construction and rehabilitation of key intercommunity roads in Rigasa, which are critical to the ease of movement and development of the areas. These roads include:

➡ Lokoja Road
➡ Makera Road
➡ Dattawa Road
➡ P.R.P. Road
➡ Dammadami Road
➡ Daura Road
➡ Yankifi
➡ Makarfi Road to Hayin Malam Bello
➡ Shanono to Maigiginya
➡ Police Station to Maigiginya to Nariya
➡ Madina Street to Hayin Malam Bello Junction
➡ Tashan Kare to Malamawa
➡ Nariya to Kabala (which we also appeal to be fast-tracked)..and other internal link roads.

In addition, we call on all representatives of Rigasa to deliver their part to the constituency that worked tirelessly to elect them:

• Distinguished Sen. Lawal Adamu Usman - Mr, La – Senator representing Kaduna Central
• Hon. Hussaini Jallo – Representative for Igabi Federal Constituency
• R.t Hon. Yusuf I Zailani – Member representing Igabi West Constituency.

These roads are vital for the daily life and economic survival of our people, and their poor condition continues to hinder development.

Let it be emphasized that Rigasa is not just a ward—it is a voting force stronger than some entire Local Governments in Kaduna State. The level of mobilization, turnout, and support Rigasa offered during the elections was outstanding, and we believe it is only fair that such commitment is reflected in the benefits we receive.

We thank you once again, Your Excellency, for listening to the people and taking action. We are hopeful that the next step will be the construction of the strategic roads that connect our large and vibrant community.

📢 Rigasa deserves more—not as a ward, but as a community whose contributions must be matched with infrastructure and opportunity.

HOTUNA :Ministoci da Manyan Masu Rike da manyan mukamai a Gwamnatin Tarayya sun hadu Yanzu a Kaduna domin Bada ba'asi ga yan Arewa 👇

Portal ya Cigaba da aiki insha Allah👇

BARI MU FARA DA KARIN MAGANA:
Hannu Daya baya daukar Jinka!
Hannu dayawa maganin kazamar miya!!
Hannunka baya taba rubewa ka Yanke ka zubar!!!

Kafin kayi tunanin wata Karin maganar da ta fara Da Hannu kaima ka qara da naka,
Bari mu sake daukar Kalmar "Hannu' ta wata sigar da zata amfanar da Ni da Ki da 'Yan-uwanmu!
Ina nufin Mutanen RIGASA

Wannan zancen bana kowa bane!
Naming mu kadai!

Wace gudun mawa kake bawa Garin Rigasa Dan Ganin yaci gaba?

Idan Ana maganar RIGASA
Zakaji ana Alfahari da yawanta!

Amman yawan mutanen RIGASA na Amfanar da yankin?

Kozo mu Hada
Hannu Dan Ganin mun ciyar da garinmu gaba!
Bama da inda yafi mana RIGASA!

Duk inda ka tsinci kanka kantabbatar dacewa kana wakiltar Miliyoyin mutanen Dake amsa Sunan 'Yan Rigasa ne!

Zamo wakili na gari domin
Iyaye
Yayyi
Qannai
Kai harma da 'Ya'ya!

Idan ka daura niyya Kayi sharing wannan rubutu don mutaru a inuwa Daya mu fuskanci matsalolinmu tare
Mukuma magancesu tare🙏🏼

JAMB IMPLEMENTED SMS POLICY FOR ACCEPTING ADMISSION🗯️
👉Recently, JAMB has implemented the SMS policy for Accepting Admission. Admission will no longer be Accepted on JAMB CAPS
To get instant notification when any information is released by JAMB or any school of choice, you can Join our WhatsApp group
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DMeNf2VHvIt5FFuPwjaKzB
Candidates are to send ACCEPT to 55019 using the Phone number used for JAMB Registration
TO CUT LONG STORY SHORT
If you do not have the Phone number you used to register for JAMB UTME or DE, you cannot Accept your JAMB Admission
FOR MORE ADMISSION & POST UTME UPDATES you can Join our Group WhatsApp Channel LINK: 👉🏻 https://chat.whatsapp.com/DMeNf2VHvIt5FFuPwjaKzB

AA BINDAWA GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED WhatsApp Group Invite

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
June 20, 2025

APC’s Criminal Neglect of Tertiary Education in Kaduna State is a Tragic Betrayal of Our Youth and Future

The recent notice of a three-day warning strike by the Joint Congress of Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya – comprising COEASU, SSUCOEN, and NASU – is yet another damning indictment of the APC-led administration’s catastrophic failure in managing the educational sector in Kaduna State.

As the leading opposition voice and a passionate advocate for quality education in our dear state, I cannot remain silent while our institutions are reduced to relics of what they once were.

Let us be clear: this strike is not just about salaries. It is about survival – of our schools, our educators, and the dreams of thousands of students whose academic progress now hangs in the balance due to government negligence.

This administration has turned its back on tertiary education.
Despite repeated promises, the APC government has failed to implement the 15-year-old CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure. Newly recruited lecturers now earn a shameful ₦64,000 per month — less than the NYSC allowance! This is not just unsustainable, it is disgraceful. It is no surprise that our best and brightest lecturers are leaving in droves, deepening the brain drain and crippling our institutions.

Furthermore, the government's refusal to review the Executive Order on 65-year retirement age to include non-academic staff reflects a complete lack of empathy and strategic foresight. What we are witnessing is not mere incompetence — it is a deliberate abandonment of responsibility.

The APC administration’s track record on education is littered with unfulfilled promises, broken agreements, and deafening silence in the face of crises. If the government had shown a fraction of the urgency it reserves for politics and propaganda, we would not be facing this moment.

This strike should serve as a wake-up call to all well-meaning citizens of Kaduna State. It is time to rescue our education sector from this spiral of failure. It is time for leadership that listens, that acts, and that prioritizes education not in words, but in budgetary allocations and policy actions.

We stand in full solidarity with the staff unions and the academic community. Their demands are just, their sacrifices enormous, and their patience stretched thin.

I call on the Kaduna State Government to act decisively and immediately. Engage the unions with sincerity. Implement the agreed salary structures. Invest in our institutions. Restore dignity to teaching.

Failure to do so will not only further tarnish the APC’s already battered credibility but will confirm what the people of Kaduna are increasingly realizing — that this government is incapable of securing their future.

History will not be kind to those who bury the hopes of a generation under the rubble of indifference.

E-signed:
Isa Mohammed Ashiru
Sarkin Bai Zazzau
Kaduna State
June 20, 2025

Ana Cigiyar Iyayen Wadannan Yara Da Aka Śàťò Daga Kaduna Aka Tsince Su A Masaka A Jihar Nasarawa

Ana cigiyar iyayen wadannan yara da aka tsinta a garin Masaka dake yankin ƙaramar hukumar Karu ta jihar Nasarawa.

Yaran sun ce su daga Kaduna aka ɗauko su a Rigasa Layin Musa Ɗanbade Kaduna.

Don haka idan iyayen yaran nan sun ga wanga sanarwa sai su kira wadan nan lambobi domin karin bayani, 09037379090 ko 08026733339, Allah Ya sa a dace, amin.

Jama'a don Allah a taimaka da yadawa (sharing) har ya isa inda ake buƙata.