Katsina Emir Warns Yari, Tinubu Campaign Council Against False Promises, Political Hostility

The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has cautioned Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, and other members of the committee against making promises they cannot fulfil, spreading falsehoods and engaging in political hostility.

The monarch 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 political leaders to focus on 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.

Usman expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of hatred, malice and character assassination in Nigerian politics. He warned that political disagreements should not be used as an excuse to ridicule or demean opponents, noting that the problem extended beyond Katsina to other parts of the country.

Addressing Yari directly, the emir stressed the importance of honesty and accountability, warning against making campaign promises that political leaders already know they cannot fulfil.

“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 said.

The traditional ruler also maintained that leaders must be willing to accept honest advice, even when it is uncomfortable. He said traditional institutions had a responsibility to speak up on national issues and remind political leaders of their obligations to the people.

The emir further raised concerns about economic difficulties in northern Nigeria, particularly the challenges confronting farmers and the decline of industries that previously provided jobs and supported economic growth. He questioned the region’s industrial progress, especially in Kaduna and across the North-West, urging the campaign council to focus on practical solutions rather than campaign rhetoric.