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By Boye Igama
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has been unrelenting in his determination to create a new dawn in the North Central state. Or so it seems. He is in a hurry to erase the horrendous and unspeakable memory of the people of the state during the inglorious eight years of the pint-size megalomaniac emperor that took the people for conquered lots, bestrode their world like a Colossus he is not though, and made them peep miserably in-between his also not too huge legs. Eight years marked mainly by tears, sorrow and blood. Apologies to Abami Eda, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. And the people are equally in a hurry to forget the odious past.
Governor Uba Sani’s crusade to create a new dawn recorded two major points last week. They speak eloquently to the new reality on the ground. And he is just one year and one month in the saddle. First, Governor Uba Sani reinstated the paramount ruler of Piriga in the Lere Local Government Area of the state, Chief Jonathan Zamuna, who was dethroned by the former governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, a few days before the expiration of his second term tenure as governor.
In the process, Governor Uba Sani described the traditional institution as a stabilising force that must not be treated with recklessness that is precipitated by the whims and caprices of any individual. So, last Thursday the governor announced Zamuna’s reinstatement during a meeting with the State Council of Chiefs, promising to strengthen a strong collaborative framework with the traditional institution.
His words: “We have made considerable progress with our plans in the siting of a Brigade in the Southern Kaduna general area. Similarly, we are working on having more military presence in frontline areas across Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko and Chikun LGAs,” he said. He added: “Be assured that the Kaduna State Government will continue to nurture a strong collaborative framework with security agencies, along with streamlined intelligence gathering and strategic coordination of security related matters in the state. This we have been doing with your help. We shall continue to rely on your cooperation to push us along in this regard.
“Furthermore, as proof of my commitment to the rule of law, I want to make known to you our intention to comply fully with the judgment of the court, issued on 10th June 2024, restoring the Chief of Piriga, in Lere LGA, His Royal Highness, Jonathan Zamuna back to his stool. “Therefore, I commend you most warmly, our royal fathers, for standing strong as agents of a positive moral revolution, and helping to spread the values of honour, dignity and humanity. I appeal to you to continue to position our local communities as building blocks for a resilient and progressive nation.” Such soothing and reassuring words from a governor. Certainly, a man of the people.
Expectedly, such sweet music to the ears elicited commendations from the chairman of the state council of chiefs, the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamalli, who commended the government for its infrastructural drive and sustained efforts in security management and peace building. The second, an invaluable vote of confidence on Governor Uba Sani by the All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the state. While it is common knowledge that a prophet has no honour at home, the reverse is the case with Governor Uba Sani. His party, platform, colleagues and associates are in agreement that he is on the right path in his efforts at creating a new dawn for Kaduna State.
This recognition becomes very significant when considered against the background of the fact that there has been a growing disagreement between the governor and his predecessor, El-Rufai. Rising from its meeting on Saturday, the APC’s State Executive Council, SEC, passed the morale boosting vote of confidence on Governor Uba Sani and it featured who is who in the party in the state. The vote of confidence announced at the meeting which was held at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall, Murtala Square Kaduna, was said to be in recognition of the numerous achievements recorded by the governor within his one year in office.
At the meeting were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, former Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and the national vice chairman (North-West) of the party, Hon.Garba Datti Babawo, they all declared their loyalty to Governor Sani as the leader of the party. The motion for vote of confidence on the governor was moved by the zonal vice chairman while addressing the well-attended meeting. It was seconded by former House of Representatives member for Chikun Federal Constituency, Hon. Yakubu Umar Barde, while the party executives unanimously adopted the motion.
Speaker of the House of Representatives of Reps Speaker, Hon Abbas made it clear that as the leader of the APC in Kaduna State, all stakeholders of the party must support Governor Sani.
His words: “I want to assure you that both I and the governor are on the same page and we will do everything possible to ensure that the welfare of our party members and the executives are given priority. “I want to use this opportunity to congratulate our Governor on his one year in office with a lot of achievements especially infrastructural development among others. I believe in the next three years, it will be more successful and impactful in the lives of our people.
“I want to urge you to maintain the political tempo. I talk about unity in Kaduna state, unity of our party in Kaduna State.” Kaduna APC Chairman, Rtd Air Commodore Emmanuel Jakada’s reflection on the one year of Governor Uba Sani attest to the new direction for the state. Hear him: “His Excellency’s one year in office has marked a significant achievement in his journey towards transforming Kaduna State into a home for progress, peace and prosperity. His leadership model has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the people of the state.” That, in a nutshell, is the new dawn Governor Uba Sani is working assiduously to create in Kaduna State. We pray he succeeds.
