The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, has warned Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council, that politicians who make promises they cannot fulfil will ultimately face accountability.
The monarch gave the warning on Thursday when Yari and his delegation visited his palace in Katsina as part of consultations ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Addressing the delegation, Usman said traditional rulers had a responsibility to speak the truth to political leaders, stressing that respect for the people was essential to securing divine favour.
He cautioned politicians against making promises they knew would not be fulfilled, warning that they would be held accountable for misleading the electorate.
The emir said, “But lies of this political nature will catch up with you, especially when you know he will not deliver on his promises. God will judge us, wallahi, I swear to God.”
Usman also criticised politicians for prioritising personal interests and attacking opponents instead of addressing the needs of the people.
He urged leaders to distinguish their personal ambitions from the public interest, expressing concern that political divisions were weakening unity in the North-West.
Using a Hausa proverb, the monarch warned that divisions in the region had become so severe that the wall holding its people together had effectively collapsed.
The emir also lamented the decline of industries and agricultural activities in northern Nigeria, citing the collapse of the Peugeot company and DIC in Kaduna as examples of developments that should concern regional leaders.
He questioned the silence of northern elders over the region’s challenges and called on them to speak out and take action.
Usman further urged political leaders to prioritise public welfare over displays of wealth and foreign travel, stressing that helping others was more important than pursuing personal comfort.
Boluwatife Enome
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