POLITICS TODAY

By Shuaibu Gimi       (shuaibugimi1966@gmail.com)

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria and Senator Uba Sani as the Governor of Kaduna State are a very interesting story. It is a combination that tells a lot about pro-democracy activism, human rights advocacy and political struggles.
  The two of them have, in other words, allied with each other in a manner that depicts a commonality of their orientations, perceptions and aspirations as civil politicians committed to the consolidation of democracy. It was both natural and simple for Tinubu and Sani as like-minds to identify each other and consequently flock together for the purpose of executing a common project aimed at raising the dignity of Nigerians.
  This is the reason for the noticeable adequate understanding between them, which has already translated into the kind of strength and determination that are desperately needed to address the basic concerns of Nigerians. It is absolutely instructive that all the policies and programmes of Kaduna State Government under Sani have fully fit into those of the Federal Government under Tinubu.
Having, along with some other activists, participated in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in the course of which they were extremely persecuted, President Tinubu and Governor Sani have successfully developed a strong understanding of each other to the extent that they have developed common principles and approach to governance. This explains their well-cherished commitment to the kind of politics and governance that promote inclusion and integration as opposed to the indulgence of some other political leaders in the escalation of division and alienation or exclusion.
  Tinubu and Sani must have been consistently reflecting on their protracted struggle for the restoration of democracy as the most fundamental step towards the protection of human dignity and consequently becoming more resolute in meeting the demands of the citizens. Any form of politics and/or governance that fails to serve as an instrument of effective mobilisation of the masses for the realization of genuine unity and development runs counter to their principles.
  In several ways, the Sani’s approach to the governance of Kaduna State indicates a strong resolve to take Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda down to the state and even lower levels. The doggedness with which he, at his own level, gives practical expression to the commitment of President Tinubu towards the resolution of, for example, the prevailing  security crisis indicates a shared vision that has already begun to bear fruits.
  The return of peace to those parts of Kaduna State where suspicion and the resultant violence among communities reigned for too long is a consequence of the collaboration between the State Government and Office of the National Security Adviser as approved by the President. It, in fact, points to an absolute coherence of ideas, which has continued to define the  relationship between the two of them.
  Additionally, the financial inclusion policy of the Uba Sani administration essentially dovetails into the economic empowerment programme of the federal government which seeks to lift millions of Nigerians out of multi-dimensional poverty. The extension of financial services to those who have been deprived of such a fundamental right is obviously an assignment to which the two leaders are totally committed.
  President Tinubu’s recent congratulatory message to Governor Sani on the latter’s 55th birthday anniversary is a combination of commendation, encouragement and confirmation of the existence of an exceptional bond between them. By commending  the governor for introducing “a refreshing tone” to governance, encouraging him to continue to remain “a key participant in an effort to consolidate democratic gains” and finally confirming that he is “advancing our Renewed Hope Agenda”, President Tinubu has passed a vote of confidence on Uba Sani.