The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has cautioned the Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, Abdulaziz Yari, and other members of the committee against making unfulfilled promises, spreading falsehoods and engaging in political hostility.
The emir gave the warning on Wednesday when Yari and other members of the campaign council paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Katsina.
He urged the political leaders to promote issue-based campaigns, respect opposing views and prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over personal interests.
“Politics is not madness. Whoever you are, if you humiliate another person, you may eventually experience what you would not wish for yourself,” the emir said.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of hatred, malice and character assassination in Nigerian politics, stressing that political differences should not be an excuse to ridicule or demean others.
“Why all this? It is not only happening here in Katsina; it is happening across the whole country. Whoever you are, if you choose to humiliate another person, you may eventually face the same treatment,” he said.
Addressing Yari, the emir emphasised the need for the campaign council to demonstrate honesty and accountability in its dealings with Nigerians.
“Director-General, you are on board now. Is it right to make promises that you know you will not fulfil? Allah will question you over such actions,” he warned.
The traditional ruler maintained that leaders must be prepared to receive honest advice, even when it is uncomfortable, adding that traditional institutions have a responsibility to speak up on issues affecting the country.
“We are the fathers of the country, and we must tell you the truth. We have to speak up, and the truth must be told to whoever needs to hear it,” he said.
The emir also drew attention to the economic challenges facing northern Nigeria, particularly the difficulties confronting farmers and the decline of industries that once provided employment and supported economic growth.
He expressed concern over the state of industrial development in Kaduna and questioned the region’s progress in the North-West.
“Where are we in the North-West? We have to talk,” he said.
The monarch urged the campaign council to focus on practical solutions to the country’s economic challenges, stressing that political leadership should be judged by its commitment to improving the lives of citizens rather than by campaign promises alone.
Katsina Emir warns Yari, Tinubu campaign council against unfulfilled promises