Governor Uba Sani, since assuming office, has had to confront, economic hurdles, security threats and pressure to deliver on infrastructure, public services and managing political opposition. No doubt Gov. Sani is navigating a tumultuous political landscape marked by various challenges bedeviling the state.
Top most of the challenge being faced is lack of funds, to carry out some developmental programmes for the citizens of the state, which has left the governor handicapped as the former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration 2015-2023 is accused of misappropriating the sum of N432B.
A committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly has alleged that the loan’s and contracts were misappropriated, with substantial funds allegedly diverted from their intended purposes.
According to Deputy Speaker, Henry Danjuma, the Chairman of the Adhoc Committee, disclosed that many loans secured under El-Rufai’s administration were not utilized for their designated projects, highlighting a series of procedural breaches, including failure to follow due process in obtaining loans. The report accused El-Rufai of grossly violating his Oath of Office, thereby “plunging the state into unwanted, unjustified and fraudulent Domestic and foreign Debts over and above the total loans obtained by Kaduna State from 1965 to 1999.
“Reckless award of contracts without due process and due execution leading to several abandoned projects despite payments, including the diversion of funds and money laundering contrary to all extant laws and regulations and accordingly should be referred to the Law Enforcement Agencies for in-dept investigation and appropriate action”.
But, former Governor El-Rufai, has not taken these allegations lying low, as he has sued the Kaduna State House of Assembly over these claims. The former Governor filled a fundamental rights enforcement case against the States House of Assembly at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. El-Rufai who appeared in person to file the lawsuit, alleged that the committee denied him fair hearing.
He asked the court to declare that by the provision of section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Report of the Adhoc Committee on Investigation of loans and financial transaction, contractual liabilities and other related matters of the government of Kaduna State House of Assembly is unconstitutional and therefore null and void for violating his right to fair hearing”.
Similarly, some commissioners who served under El-Rufai’s lead by Jafaru Sani, former Commissioner for Environment and Education, denied these allegations, stressing that the El-Rufai administration diligently applied the loans it received. Accusing the House of Assembly of doing a hatchet job. “The report oozes malice and patent unfairness to all of us who served under El-Rufai”.
Another problem the state is facing is that of insecurity. Kaduna State has long been a flashpoint for violence and insecurity in Nigeria. Under Governor Sani’s leadership, the state continues to grapple with pervasive threats from banditry and kidnappings. The state no doubt, has been a hotspot for bandit activities, resulting in loss of lives and displacement of communities. Governor Sani has intensified efforts to combat these threats by collaborating with Federal Security Agencies and Local Vigilante Groups. In a significant move to boost the security efforts, Kaduna State Governor has commissioned 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorcycles.
The vehicles and motorcycles were distributed to security agencies operating within the state, with the aim to providing crucial support in securing hard to reach areas. Governor Sani stressed that this distribution of operational assets, is just one part of a comprehensive security strategy – also taking pro active measures, include the signing of the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into Law.
The law is designed to ensure sustainable funding for anti-banditry and anti-terrorism initiatives, by also engaging the private sector, the state aims to further strengthen security efforts. In addition, over 7000 personnel were recruited into Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KSVS), establishment of several military formations, including welfare services for personnel to maintain morale. No doubt Governor Uba Sani is resolute in its pursuit of peace and security in the state, this he has demonstrated. However, the scale of the problem remains daunting, with incidents of violence continuing to disrupt daily life and economic activities.
The economic challenges facing Kaduna State are reflective of broader national issues. Inflation, unemployment, and the adverse impacts of national economic policies have exacerbated the struggles of the state’s populace. Governor Sani’s administration has been working to attract investment and stimulate local economic growth.
Efforts to boost agriculture, which is a significant sector in the state, have faced obstacles such as inadequate infrastructure and security concerns, but recently the State government provided farm implements to farmers worth billions to boost the sector.
Education and healthcare are critical sectors where Governor Sani’s administration is under intense scrutiny. The state’s education system, plagued by underfunding and insecurity, has seen schools shut down and teachers fleeing rural areas due to safety concerns. Initiatives to improve the educational standards are ongoing. Marking his one year in office, 62 schools in both the Rural and Urban Areas were furnished and commissioned.
In healthcare, the situation is similarly challenging. While there have been efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities and improve service delivery, many residents still lack access to adequate medical care. The state’s health indicators remain concerning, highlighting the need for more comprehensive interventions which the governor has promised to look into.
Governor Sani’s political journey is also marked by navigating a landscape fraught with opposition. Within his own party and from opposition parties, there are factions and individuals who challenge his policies and leadership. This political friction often translates into delays and obstacles in implementing key policies and projects. Despite these challenges, Governor Sani has remained steadfast in his vision for Kaduna State. His administration has sought to foster unity and collaboration especially with the Southern part of the state.
Residents of Kaduna State have high expectations, and while some progress is evident. Governor Sani’s administration continues to work towards visible and sustainable improvements for the overall good of the state as he faces these challenges.
– Asabe Ndoma
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