POLITICS TODAY

Kaduna politician and businessman, Ishaq Maishanu has declared that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has not only performed so well, but set a new governance standard in present day Nigeria. In this exclusive interview with newsmen in Kaduna, he mentioned a number policies and programmes of Governor Sani that he said can’t be found anywhere in Nigeria in the last one year. Excerpts:

Sir what would you say is the most unforgettable memory in the recent history of Kaduna State under Governor Sani?

Well, as you are aware, the problem of rampant demolition of structures or sacking of civil servants is now history. Unlike before, the rural folks are now fully in the picture of governance, as they get projects and financial support for their small-scale businesses. As I speak to you, many people are still surprised by the compassionate side of the governor that is translating into governance with human face, just as projects are being commissioned in droves.

Hon Maishanu

With a little over one year in power, the Governor is widely believed to have done a lot to turn around Kaduna’s fortunes. How did he do it , with the multiple challenges on ground?

It is now clear to everyone that in the last one year and still counting, Governor Sani’s administration has worked tirelessly to implement a range of reforms and projects aimed at transforming Kaduna State’s economy, infrastructure, social services, and a relentless war against poverty. This is despite the challenges of funding and worrisome level of indebtedness of the State. I think it’s even magical.
Many Nigerians in general and the people of Kaduna State in particular agree that there are key policies and programmes of Governor Uba Sani in the last one year that are peculiar to Kaduna State alone.

Hon, can you give us some verifiable examples of such policies and programmes you just talked about?
Sure, the records are everywhere. Let me just say that he has been the forefront as a governor under the current dispensation to have taken very bold steps. Back to your question of examples. He is the first governor in Nigeria to sign an Executive Order for the inclusion of over 2 million poor, underserved people in Kaduna State and he is the first governor to release over N3 billion to pensioners and families of deceased persons who served the state civil service
soon after his swearing-in as governor. He became the first governor to commission the first Township stadium in rural Kaduna, located at Kudan Local Government. About the same time, the governor had kickstarted rural electrification and rural roads a few months after being sworn into office.
Many State’s of the Northwest were grappling with difficulty of access to medical care, especially in the rural areas because of bad roads. What would you say makes Kaduna’s case different?
Let me just say, for the records also, that Governor Sani is the first to launch Mobile Clinics, to ensure access to quality healthcare services for remote areas of Kaduna State.
One major challenge for today’s Nigeria has been the economy. As someone close to Governor Sani, what would you say is the trouble with Kaduna in that realm?
(Laughter) Kaduna’s economy is not troubled because local businesses are operating unhindered by government policies that Governor Sani introduced. It is important at this juncture, to emphasize that the current administration in Kaduna is respected for its policy of genuinely providing an enabling business environment. No harsh policies against either big time entrepreneurs or small-scale enterprises. Again, I must say that Uba Sani is the first governor to pursue home-grown micro-economic policies to give a major and fast boost to the fortunes of small-scale entrepreneurs. Don’t forget his introduction of a home-grown economic intervention measure known as ‘A Kori Talauci’, which has provided easy funding access and support to small businesses, with amounts ranging from N50,000 to N300,000 per head.

So much about the economy, what about infrastructure? Isn’t it of immense importance to Kaduna people?
Of course it is. Tell me about any Nigerian governor under the current democratic system who would flag off infrastructural projects with Caterpillars, Tippers, and laborers on standby. This kind of approach to infrastructure is unheard of, only in Kaduna this happens.

Years ago, in this country, successive governments at federal and state levels have launched empowwement schemes but there were complaints about lack of cash-backing. What would you say is the case of Kaduna today?
Again, I have examples to give you. Uba Sani is the first Governor to spend N11.4billion to alleviate suffering of citizens. Do your homework and connect the other dots(laughter)

Like many States of the Northwest, insecurity has been a major headache. What is your take on Kaduna’s situation
I give the governor a pass mark. I think he is also the first Governor under the current dispensation to etsablish a Security Trust Fund and distribute 150 operational vehicles some 500 motorcycles to security agents. He did not stop there, he also offered logistics support to them in order to fight terrorism and allied crimes in Kaduna today. I can go on and on with verifiable examples of Governor Uba Sani’s programmes and policies and it would take us weeks to cover even half of it. I leave the rest for you as reporters, to carry on.
Lastly Sir what would you like to say to the people of Kaduna State at this point time?
Well, mine is to advise them to pray fervently because they are lucky to have a governor so in love with grassroots, compassionate and exceptionally caring. He has been known for building bridges of understanding, as we can see that the people of Kaduna are living peacefully in brotherhood and unity, regardless of ethnic or religious differences. We need to keep praying for him to consolidate on his achievements and maintain the current peace and unity in the State.
I must also warn that his strategy of taking Kaduna to greater height would give some vested interests sleepless nights and they may want to indulge in mischief. He must remain undistracted and the people of Kaduna must remain steadfast in praying for him against unpatriotic forces, both known and unknown.