The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman has assured politicians who mislead the electorate with promises they know cannot be delivered that they would eventually face the consequences of their actions.
Usman gave the warning on Thursday when Yari and his delegation visited his palace in Katsina as part of consultations ahead of Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Speaking in Hausa, the emir urged political leaders to respect the people and prioritise their welfare, stressing that traditional rulers had a responsibility to speak frankly to those in positions of authority.
“Director-general, you are now on board. Not only in Katsina, but across the entire country. We as traditional leaders must tell you the truth,” he said.
The monarch added that political leaders must demonstrate love and respect for the people, warning that those who treat citizens badly should not expect to escape the consequences.
“I swear, you must love, value, and respect people before Allah will be with you. Whoever you are, if you treat people badly, you will also experience things you do not like,” he said.
Usman drew a distinction between what he described as permissible lies in certain circumstances and political promises made without any genuine intention of fulfilling them.
“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,” the emir said.
He also criticised politicians for placing personal interests above public service, accusing them of devoting more energy to attacking opponents than addressing the challenges confronting citizens.
According to him, politics should be about persuading people through ideas and policies, rather than turning political differences into hostility and division.
The emir expressed concern over growing divisions in the North-West, warning that disunity was weakening the region’s ability to confront its problems collectively.
Using a Hausa proverb, he said the wall that once protected the region’s unity had deteriorated so badly that it could no longer keep out threats.
“A Hausa proverb says that a wall only cracks to let a lizard enter, but now, it is not just a lizard, even a camel can pass through because the wall has already fallen,” he said.
Usman also lamented the decline of industries in the North, citing the collapse of major industrial establishments in Kaduna as a cause for concern.
He questioned the silence of regional leaders over the deterioration of industries and the economic challenges facing the population, urging elders and political leaders to speak out and take action.
“Where is the north-west heading? Forum upon forum. Northern forums, where are we? They stopped us from farming. Go to Kaduna, where are DIC and the Peugeot company? They have all collapsed while we remain mute. Where are the elders? We have to talk, we must wake up,” he said.
The monarch further urged leaders to move beyond displays of wealth, expensive vehicles and foreign travels, insisting that public office should be measured by its impact on ordinary people.
He said helping others and improving their welfare should take precedence over personal comfort and prosperity.
“Helping others is far better than helping yourself. Give to others, and Allah will give to you. If you refuse to give, Allah will not give to you either,” Usman said.