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By Daniel Katagun
There are endorsements politicians celebrate, and there are testimonies that tell a deeper story about leadership. At a recent Special Interfaith Dialogue in Kaduna, Bishop David Bakare, National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), delivered one of such ‘testimonies’ about Governor Uba Sani that deserves more than passing attention. He admitted he did not vote for Sani in 2023, and had little confidence in him, but he has since changed his mind after observing his approach to governance and the policies and philosophy of his administration. In a state where religious identity, regional grievances and political distrust have historically complicated relationships, the significance of such a declaration cannot be dismissed.
Bishop Bakare was not merely praising a governor, he was actually explaining why his initial perception had to change. His ‘testimony’, reproduced verbatim below, captures the issues at the heart of Governor Sani’s approach to governance – inclusivity, fairness and equity, development, fostering peace and security and the search for common ground between communities long separated by suspicion. “Your Excellency”, Bishop Bakare started, “When you were coming in for this first term, I didn’t vote for you. I didn’t believe in anything you were going to do. I didn’t know you, your handlers did not effectively market you to us well. But after you began your work in Kaduna State, I asked myself why I didn’t vote for you.
“And now, another opportunity is standing in front of me, and I didn’t have to think twice to make a decision this time around, and not just me but as many as will consider, from my understanding, the following things I want to say to you right now in public. “I appreciate and the Christians in this state and beyond do appreciate that you encouraged us by refusing to continue demolition. The only thing you demolished, for which we are grateful, is the wall of partition and separation between the North and the South of Kaduna State. You have demolished that wall, thank you for doing it.
“I must let you know that the Christians in this state and beyond; I travel wide, I represent the Pentecostals in Nigeria, we are over 60 million, and I hear it very clearly, and this is a good opportunity to let you know that turning the tide of having a Christian Deputy Governor in the next tenure from what it used to be is appreciated. We appreciate your inclusivity, your sensitivity, and your commitment to sound restoration of unity and peace in state.
“We like to let you know that under your tenure, two ministers, federal ministers in Kaduna State, one is a Christian, my very dear own brother of the Pentecostal extraction and of course a Muslim fellow brother, giving us one-one; we appreciate what you have done.
“We are aware that under your leadership, Southern Kaduna now has a Federal Medical Centre (FMC); Southern Kaduna now has a university, I mean there is so much to talk about, the pilgrimage is there, we can talk about it. We are aware that you gave our Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman three roads that he requested for.
“Your Excellency, we undoubtedly are grateful to God. When you first attended the Christian Carol, I thought it was a political gimmick, and I just told everyone, these politicians are at it again. But then you have gone beyond attending carols to implementing certain peace and unifying activities and functions in Kaduna State.
“You have not acted like a politician that you are, politicians with due respect, today are good to talk so much to us and less to do for us; but you have spoken so little and you have done so much. Your acts are clear for a blind man to see.
“Well done, Your Excellency; you are such a gift to Kaduna State. You have brought us back to trusting one another, believing none another, accepting one another and not doubting or fearing one another.
“We are beginning to sleep with our two eyes closed. Thank you for doing so much. You are going to enter your second term, but please, Your Excellency, don’t stop doing good things. I have confidence in you that the good work you have begun, you will continue in your second term. Congratulations, Your Excellency”
Such a huge validation, describing Governor Sani as a ‘gift’ to Kaduna State speaks volumes. The most compelling aspect of Bishop Bakare’s intervention is not the praise itself, but the admission that precedes it. He began as a skeptic but now a convert. He said the governor’s performance subsequently changed his assessment. That is a more substantial political statement than any endorsement from someone who supported the governor from the outset. It raises an important question about leadership: can a government persuade people who did not support and vote for it that their interests are nevertheless being served? In Bishop Bakare’s account of Sani’s administration, the answer is an emphatic yes!
For years, sections of Southern Kaduna have expressed grievances concerning representation, insecurity and the distribution of development opportunities. These concerns, reinforced by historical tensions and painful experiences, have complicated the relationship between the region and successive governments.
And the previous administration before Sani assumed office, allegedly did more to worsen the situation. And whereas a responsible administration cannot erase such a history overnight, it can however change the narrative by ensuring that public institutions serve communities fairly and that representation is not determined exclusively by religious or ethnic considerations. And that is exactly what Uba Sani has done.
Bishop Bakare specifically commended Sani’s approach to Christian representation, his choice of a Christian deputy governor for the forthcoming political arrangement, and the recognition of both Christian and Muslim interests in federal appointments associated with Kaduna. He also cited the Federal Medical Centre and a university in Southern Kaduna, alongside road projects requested by the CAN chairman in the state.
His metaphor about demolishing the wall separating Northern and Southern Kaduna is so poignant and the most memorable part of his speech. It captures the central challenge facing a state whose diversity should be a source of strength but has too often become a basis for political suspicion. Thankfully, Governor Sani has completely steered the ship of the state from that ugly past.
The governor’s engagement with Christian religious events, interfaith dialogue and community leaders appears to have helped change perceptions among some stakeholders. The cleric himself admitted that he initially suspected the governor’s attendance at a Christian carol service was politically motivated. He subsequently concluded that the administration had gone beyond ceremonial appearances.
The claim that people are beginning to sleep with both eyes closed expresses a sense of reassurance; it is not, by itself, proof that every community is safe. The restoration of trust is an important part of peace-building. Citizens who believe that the government recognises their humanity and protects their interests have stronger reasons to participate in a shared future.
As Kaduna approaches the 2027 governorship election, Bishop Bakare’s ‘testimony’ inevitably raises questions about political accountability and the relationship between performance and electoral choice. The governor’s first-term record will be scrutinised by supporters, critics and voters who remain undecided. His administration will have to demonstrate that its commitments to fairness, security and development translate into tangible benefits across the state.
For Governor Sani, the challenge is to sustain that confidence through continued performance. For his opponents, the task is to present credible alternatives and engage the administration’s record on its merits. Ultimately, the electorate must decide which competing claims best address its needs.
But the most enduring message in Bishop Bakare’s speech is that citizens want a government they can trust, irrespective of their religious or regional identities. That expectation should not be controversial. That no community should feel that its faith, ethnicity or geographical location places it at a disadvantage in accessing public services, security, education or economic opportunities. And all this Sani has met. What is more, he has vowed time and again that the principles of inclusivity, fairness and equity will remain consistent features of his administration. That offers an important measure of public reassurance as he approaches the 2027 election.
• Dcn Katagun, JP, a community leader, writes from Kachia, Southern Kaduna
