The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has called for an out-of-court settlement of the disputes and legal battles that have deepened divisions among key socio-cultural groups in Southern Kaduna.
The National President of SOKAPU, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, made the call during a reconciliation meeting convened by the Southern Kaduna Elders Consultative Forum (SKECF) in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
Kato said the association was ready to embrace peace and dialogue in the interest of preserving the unity and collective aspirations of the Southern Kaduna people.
According to him, the ongoing standoff involving SOKAPU, the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC), the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), SOKACDA (CDAs-Forum), and organisers of SKFEST had become a distraction that was weakening the region’s collective voice.
He described the situation as unfortunate, noting that it had exposed Southern Kaduna communities to vulnerabilities at a time when unity was most needed.
“On behalf of SOKAPU, I declare our absolute readiness to bury the hatchet,” Kato said.
“To demonstrate our sincerity and respect for this esteemed Elders’ Forum, SOKAPU is willing to explore an amicable, out-of-court settlement of all pending legal matters.”
He added that the association was prepared to engage all aggrieved groups in discussions aimed at restoring mutual trust and fostering collaboration for the development of the region.
Kato said SOKAPU was ready to sit at a roundtable with SKFEST organisers, the CDAs-Forum and other stakeholders to clearly define operational boundaries and resolve areas of disagreement.
The SOKAPU president, however, maintained that some of the disputes arose from issues relating to organisational mandates, representation and the management of cultural activities in Southern Kaduna.
He stressed that no disagreement should be allowed to undermine the survival, dignity and progress of the people of the region.
Kato also commended the intervention efforts of the Southern Kaduna Elders Consultative Forum, traditional rulers and Christian leaders, describing their roles as critical to achieving lasting peace.
He urged leaders and members of the various groups involved in the dispute to refrain from divisive rhetoric and embrace dialogue.
“We call on all our brothers and sisters across SKLC, SKCLA and SOKACDA to embrace peace, retract divisive public rhetoric and join hands with SOKAPU. Together, we can redirect our energy toward the development, security and empowerment of our people,” he said.
The reconciliation meeting was convened by the Southern Kaduna Elders Consultative Forum under the leadership of retired General Zamani Lekwot as part of efforts to end the lingering disagreements among prominent Southern Kaduna organisations and strengthen unity across the region.
