Former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, yesterday said Kaduna State, which used to be reference point in peaceful coexistence, must be saved from further deterioration.

The state is presently under the grip of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party in power at the centre.

In the statement he issued in Kaduna, El-Rufai, who intends to contest the governorship seat during the next election, said: “Our state, Kaduna, is now fragmented across ethnic and religious lines. Without federal allocations, the state cannot survive. Our renowned educational institutions are decaying, while unemployment and youth restiveness are visible. Trust in government is low and the essentials needed to stimulate socio-economic development are most lacking. The Kaduna state that was once a point of reference in peaceful coexistence, progress and fairness in the Northern region in particular and Nigeria as a whole is now lagging behind most states created recently.”

According to him, “The situation should not and must not be allowed to deteriorate further; otherwise the cohesive fabric of our community may be completely destroyed. Bearing these in mind and after deep reflection and wide consultations with stakeholders who cherish the importance of providing good leadership, I have resolved to contest for the office of the Governor of Kaduna State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections.”

The former minister added: “We do not underestimate, by any means, the challenges ahead. We also appreciate the enormity of the tasks ahead and the potential land mines that the ruling party will inevitably place on our path. We therefore, most humbly, solicit your guidance, support and prayers as we begin the journey to rebuild Kaduna State and put our people on the road to peace and prosperity.”

•Photo shows el-Rufai.