The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has cautioned politicians who took advantage of religion to exploit Nigerians.
He regretted the North had in the last two decades been the victim of the politicisation of religion and culture which has denied the region socio-economic developments.
Emir Sanusi said this in Katsina State yesterday while delivering a speech marking International Youth Day and a graduation ceremony at Katsina Vocational Training Centre.
The Centre, founded by the late M.D. Yusuf, a former Inspector General of Police, empowers youths, particularly the physically challenged.
Emir Sanusi in his speech lamented that politicians turned religion into a vehicle for campaign, thereby exploiting the religious character and ignorance of the people.
He noted that rather than solving problems in the education and health sectors, governors were busy promising to deliver religion.
He added that it was not surprising that states which placed too much emphasis on religion over development lagged behind in socio-economic milestones.
According to him, “The most backward and underdeveloped states in Nigeria today are also the same states that claimed to be run based on Sharia. The people seemed satisfied with slogans and pilgrimages that have become jamborees.”
Due to the hype, people in the region stopped demanding the education of their children and healthcare from their leaders, he noted.
The emir called on government to engage youths through increased investment in agriculture. He also urged politicians to sign peace pacts before next year’s general election and discourage youths from violence.
