Politicians seldom keep their promises but Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is of a different cut. On May 29, 2023, he promised to be ‘’Governor for all’’ but many people didn’t believe him because past governors had made similar promises which they observed in the breach. Interestingly, so far he has disappointed sceptics not only by the spread of his projects in Kaduna State but also by the way he is carrying everybody and disparate socio-political blocs along.
During the last administration, Southern Kaduna was marginalised in terms of projects. The government treated the people with disdain and when they complained (in the exercise of their freedom of expression), they were threatened. Sometimes, the immediate past administration went beyond threats and detained those who spoke out against its policies.
For example, in 2019, the president of Adara Development Association, Mr. Aweni Dio Maisamari, along with a few elders were illegally arrested and detained for about three months without investigation. The court dismissed the case afterwards because nothing was found against them.
Senator Uba Sani has proven to be a different governor by the way he has been conducting the affairs of the state. In October 2023, he set up an all-embracing Kaduna Elders/Senior Citizens Forum comprising senior citizens, retired generals, civil servants, accomplished businessmen and seasoned politicians from all parties across the state.
Retired General Zamani Lekwot and Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, former Head of Service, were appointed Co-chairmen of the forum. The governor has also set up an Inter Religious Harmony Committee to advise on how the past can be redressed with a view of addressing present challenges.
Furthermore, Governor Uba Sani is matching his words with action by reaching out and extending a hand of fellowship to Southern Kaduna. For the second time, he attended the Southern Kaduna Festival which held at Kafanchan Township Stadium last Saturday.
During the occasion, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to build a state where no person or area is left behind. He also thanked the people for being peaceful and for cooperating with his administration.
In addition, Governor Uba Sani enumerated the number of completed projects and those being executed in Southern Kaduna. He specifically recalled the dilapidated township roads in Kafanchan which had been abandoned for many years, thereby bringing untold hardship on the residents, which are now receiving attention. The good news is that the contract sum has been reviewed downwards to N9.3 billion and the government has advanced the contractor the sum of N4 billion. Right now, work is on-going.
Also, the Senator Uba Sani administration is constructing a 22.5km road from Gwantu through Kibam to Godogodo; another 21.95km road from Madauchi to Kafanchan through Madakiya, including a branch to Matsirga Waterfalls, linking Jema’a to Zangon Kataf LGAs. Governor Uba Sani disclosed that the project has reached 70% and will be completed in the next two months.
In addition, he has reached out to both Minister of Works and President Bola Tinubu for the construction of Kwoi-Jema’a road, promising that it will be awarded in the second quarter of 2026.
Similarly, the governor disclosed that Sir Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan, will be converted to a Federal Medical Centre to serve the diverse population spanning several Local Government Areas and neighbouring states of Plateau, Nassarawa, Niger and the FCT. According to him, this ‘’will greatly improve healthcare accessibility, strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery, and provide opportunities for advanced medical training and research in the area.’’
A day after he returned from the festival, Governor Uba Sani attended a Christmas Carol of Six Lessons organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at ECWA Good News, Narayi Highcost. He was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila, Senior Honorary Advisor Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar and the Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam.
At that event, he reiterated the need for peaceful coexistence and advised well-meaning residents of Kaduna State to checkmate the antics of ethnic chauvinists and religious bigots by living in peace, love and unity for overall progress and development.
According to the governor, there can be no development without peace and harmony. Furthermore, the governor expressed his joy that people of Kaduna State are now living freely without intimidation because of their faith or ethnic affiliations.
Governor Uba Sani rightly asserted that the challenge before every resident is to help in repositioning Kaduna State to bring back its lost glory, adding that Muslims and Christians must live together. He expressed dismay at the present situation where Kaduna—the capital city—is segmented along religious lines: Christians and Muslims living in segregated sections, instead of dwelling harmoniously together.
The governor has set the ball rolling. It is important that citizens of Kaduna State should complement his efforts by being their neighbours’ keepers, especially in this period of Yuletide.
* Fadason is a former Chairman of Kaduna State Council of the NUJ
