Uba Sani

By Sumayyah A. Ishaq

Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani on Monday commissioned the Kagarko Township Road Project in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna, marking his two-year anniversary in office.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, which was attended by top government functionaries, members of the State Executive Council and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and traditional, religious, and political leaders, among others, Governor Uba Sani Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the delivery of the projects will further enhance economic achievements in the Kagarko area of the State.

He further said, “The commissioning of this road project is another fulfilment of our administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable development through the continuous provision of efficient infrastructure”

In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Council, Honourable Muhuyideen A. Umar, said the construction and commissioning of the road stands as another milestone in Governor Uba Sani’s administration’s commitment to infrastructure development that enhances the socio-economic well-being of Kagarko residents.

It would be recalled that prior to the intervention of the Gov Uba Sani administration, the dilapidated Kagarko township road had remained in a state of disrepair for over two decades while motorists and residents navigated in high-risk conditions.

By Sumayyah A. Usman

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani,  has appointed Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo as the Commissioner of Education. Until his appointment, Prof. Sambo served as Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. 

From 2005 to 2012, he served as the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria. He was later appointed Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Sani has also redeployed the outgoing Education Commissioner, Prof. Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau), to the newly created Ministry of Information.

The Governor has also appointed Barrister Gloria Ibrahim as the Commissioner of Youth Development. The appointments and redeployments take effect immediately.

By Sumayyah A. Usman

The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Monday launched the power supply reconnection project in Kagarko Local Government Area, in a move seen as a major step towards the actualization of his campaign promise during the 2023 electioneering campaigns.

The governor who was represented by the Kagarko LG Chairman, Honourable Muhuyideen A. Umar, said the reconnection project would help alleviate power challenges faced by residents as well as boost economic activities and the overall quality of life of the people of the LG.

He further stated that “the project is in line with the promise made by Governor Uba Sani to restore power supply in Kagarko after years of darkness”.

He assured residents that with the availability of needed materials, equipment.and commitment from the workers, the job would be completed in record time.

According to reports electricity supply had been disrupted for over two years in the local government area as a result of vandalism.

But news of the reconnection was warmly received by Kagarko residents, who expressed their gratitude to the governor for his efforts to restore power.

By Uzair Adam 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said political leaders from northern Nigeria have failed the region and should collectively apologise to the people for decades of underdevelopment and neglect.

Speaking during an interview with Trust TV, Sani stressed that criticism of government policies should be driven by the genuine interest of the people and not by political ambition.

“Every democracy must allow criticism, but it must be constructive, and in the interest of the Nigerian people. That’s what we did as activists — not because we wanted power,” he said.

He noted that those who have held public office in the last two decades — including himself — bear responsibility for the challenges facing the region.

“Anyone who is from northern Nigeria and held a political office in the last 20 years, we all need to look at ourselves in the mirror and apologise to the people of northern Nigeria. We let them down,” he admitted.

Reflecting on his own time in office, the governor said the region’s problems stem from long-standing structural and economic neglect.

“I’ll say it here today — all of us; I was a senator in this country, and the problems of northern Nigeria didn’t start two years ago,” he added.

Sani also criticised the outcomes of the massive social intervention programmes under former president Muhammadu Buhari, saying they failed to uplift the region due to deep-rooted financial exclusion.

“Buhari spent hundreds of billions on social interventions,” he said. “But the North became poorer even after that because 70% of the population, especially the masses, were completely financially excluded.”

He pointed out that anyone who had served as a senator, minister, governor, or vice-president from the region over the past 20 years shares in the blame.

The governor cautioned politicians against misleading the public and lauded honest critics who maintain integrity and a people-first approach.

“We must not deceive the people of northern Nigeria. We must not mislead them. I’ve no problem with people criticising the government — people like Dan Bello Galadanchi. 

“Those individuals have the moral right to speak. But those who contributed to the rot and now claim to have repented — I think that’s wrong,” he said.

_________________________________

Muhsin Ibrahim, PhD

Institute of African Studies, 

University of Cologne 

Blog: www.muhsin.in

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has dismissed claims by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the state’s monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) has declined, while also refuting allegations of an illegal N100 million diversion from state funds.  

Speaking at a press conference, KADIRS Executive Chairman Jerry Adams stated that under the current administration of Governor Uba Sani, the state has recorded significant revenue growth, surpassing figures achieved during El-Rufai’s tenure.  

“It is necessary to clarify certain statements made by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Whether due to incomplete information or a deliberate attempt to mislead, it is important to set the record straight,” Adams said.  

El-Rufai had claimed that Kaduna’s monthly revenue dropped from N7 billion to N2 billion under Governor Uba Sani. However, Adams refuted this, stating that the highest annual IGR recorded under El-Rufai was N59 billion in 2022, translating to a monthly average of N4.9 billion.  

He further explained that a significant portion of the revenue between 2019 and 2022 came from one-off sources, including debt recoveries and government asset sales, which amounted to N45 billion.  

“If these irregular revenues are excluded, the actual monthly IGR at that time was far lower than what is being claimed,” Adams noted.  

Regarding the alleged illegal transfer of N100 million, Adams dismissed it as “completely false,” explaining that Kaduna’s revenue collection system operates entirely through PAYKADUNA, with all payments going directly into the state’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).  

He emphasized that under Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna’s IGR has seen consistent improvement.  

“In 2023 alone, Kaduna State generated N62.48 billion in IGR, which increased to N71 billion in 2024—averaging N5.2 billion and N6 billion monthly, respectively.”  

“In just January and February 2025, the state has already collected N7.46 billion and N6.68 billion, totaling N14.16 billion in two months—without any debt recoveries or one-off revenues.”  

“This demonstrates the commitment and diligence of this administration in driving economic growth and ensuring sustainable development,” Adams stated.

I would like to start by expressing my profound admiration for your work. I must admit that I have always been a great fan of yours, appreciating your leadership skills and vision more than any politician in Kaduna State.

Your impressive work ethic, policy foresight, demonstrated competence, and ability to resist criticism and implement what you consider the right thing earned you a place in my heart.

(Un)fortunately, I’m not the kind of fan who always praises his favourites and considers any criticism an attempt to discredit his master.

Sir, your recent actions, remarks, and holier-than-thou attitude have led some to speculate that you are suffering from Out-of-Office syndrome. However, I prefer not to believe them.

In your recent interview with Arise TV,  you said things that, had I not watched the interview, I would have dismissed as typical political propaganda.

Firstly, you defined “friendship” as  “someone that has the fidelity to some ethical and moral standards, and will be there for you when you need him, not when it’s time to party or enjoy.”

Of course, I agree with you to some extent. However, in this context, are you suggesting that you prioritise loyalty over accountability, even if it means ignoring the concerns of those who elected you?

I believe that, by your definition of “friendship,” Uba Sani should prioritise being a “friend “ to the people of Kaduna who are struggling to get a meal due to these “economic reforms “ (which you said you supported and are the right orthodox policies…) rather than showing loyalty to his predecessor.

In your interview with Charles, you mentioned that the Late Yar’adua invited you to join his cabinet, an offer you declined. This remark reminded me of another instance in which you used his death as a mocking tool to brag about your resilience.

Your allegations against Nuhu Ribadu and his subsequent response reveal a lot about your dynamics with him. They raise questions about who has maintained the values of true friendship and who has not. I won’t elaborate further.

Sir, as you are probably approaching the last decade of your active political career, I would advise you to focus on nurturing your private life (considering your frequent references to prioritising it) rather than investing time and energy in making new (or perceived) enemies.

Do not dwell too much on criticism and allegations; do what Kwankwaso did: allow your track record to speak for you.

Lastly, may your famous political slogan — “MURUS” — not be used against you.

Best regards,

Ukasha Sani Idris

Facebook: Ukasha a Kofarnassarawa.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Kaduna Electric and threatened to withdraw its services entirely due to ongoing disputes, including the issuance of ‘service no longer required’ notices to several affected staff members.

Despite intervention from the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, the situation remains unresolved and left employees and the public in a state of uncertainty.

The NUEE has made it clear that unless their concerns are addressed within the stipulated timeframe, they will take further action.

The potential withdrawal of services could result in power outages affecting residents across Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, who are already bracing for another possible blackout.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Kaduna Electric and the state government to find a resolution before the situation escalates.

By Ukasha Sani Idris

Recently, strange “activism “ by former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai on his social media platformshas reaffirmed the rumor that he’s no longer on good terms with his successor, the current governor of Kaduna State.

On X (formerly Twitter), El-Rufai responded to a follower’s claim that he would be arrested if he returned to Nigeria.

Malam responded by saying, “ …Your post below refers. I have been hearing these same rumors of arrest, detention and torture in some dungeon in the NSA’s office (where Emefiele was allegedly tortured to resign as CBN governor), since July 2024 when the so-called report of the Kaduna Assembly began circulating…”

El-Rufai VS His benefactors

This development has sparked renewed interest in El-Rufai’s history of betraying his benefactors. Farooq Kperogi’s August 2023 column highlighted El-Rufai’s “serial betrayals,” noting that he turned against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who brought him into the national spotlight, and later betrayed former President Obasanjo. In it, he mentioned:

“Of course, El-Rufai later betrayed Obasanjo—and everybody else that has propelled his career or extended favors to him.”

“El-Rufai seems congenitally incapable of being loyal to people who feather his aspirations. “

“What’s happening to El-Rufai now actually pales in comparison to the depth of his serial betrayals of his benefactors. It’s a case of live by the sword, die by the sword.”

Who is the biggest casualty?

When Madina Maishanu questioned Bello El-Rufai on BBC Hausa about the current feud between his father and former boss, the worry lines suddenly appeared on his face. Still, he tried to maintain a neutral stance and replied, “It’s not most desirable, but it’s part of life. Couples divorce. Friends fall out…”

When pressed on whether he would mediate a reconciliation between them, he stated that it is not his responsibility to mediate between his father and Governor Uba Sani; his responsibility is Kaduna North.

He also reaffirmed that Uba Sani is still his boss after reemphasising his strong bond with his father.

Where is Dadiyata?

In another response to the same diehard fan, Malam wrote:

“Be careful, Imran @IU_Wakilii……the Kaduna Kidnapping Team (I will reveal this next week, in sha Allah) will either try implementing the Danbilki Commander (abduct, whip and then offer money) or the Bashir Saidu (abduct and imprison) treatment on you. Please keep away from Kaduna and stay safe wherever you are.”

MALAM shouldn’t only reveal the “Kidnapping Team” without telling us when and how it started and the architect behind this torture, perhaps his information would take us back to Dadiyata’s abduction that occurred when he was the sitting governor of the state where Dadiyata was abducted.

Life Lesson:

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

1. El-Rufai’s recent social media outbursts seem to be a reflection of his own bitter experiences. Many are suggesting that he’s facing the consequences of his own actions.
2. If the biological son of MALAM can maintain a neutral stance, at least in our view regarding this matter, why are the sons and daughters of “Nobody” so eagerly rushing to inherit other people’s feud?

I cherish the virtues of honour, respect, and integrity; however, I am in no way justifying betrayal and distrust. I also pray I never find joy in someone’s downfall.

Ukasha Kofarnassarawa wrote via ukasha_sani@yahoo.com.

By Safiyanu Ladan 

The Kaduna State government recently announced that it has entered a peace deal with notorious bandits, particularly in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas. The aim of the deal is to end banditry in the region. This development is a positive step forward.

For years, bandits have wreaked havoc on local communities, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Their actions have severely disrupted the socioeconomic activities of these areas.

According to the government, the peace deal is yielding positive results. Relative stability has returned to the affected regions. A cattle market that had been closed for decades has resumed operations, and residents can now go about their daily activities without constant fear of attacks or kidnappings.

However, although relative peace has been observed in the northern part of the state over the past few months, the situation in the southern part is significantly different. Recently, residents of Anguwan Ate in Kachia Local Government Area have staged protests due to the ongoing attacks and kidnappings carried out by bandits.

The resurgence of kidnappings in certain areas of the state following the peace deal is concerning. The government and other stakeholders involved in brokering this peace agreement need to reassess the situation and address any existing loopholes to prevent an escalation of violence.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Kaduna.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former members of the Kaduna State Executive Council (2015-2023) have vehemently rejected corruption allegations leveled against them by the Uba Sani-led administration.

In a statement released on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the ex-officials described the accusations as a politically motivated smear campaign.

The controversy stems from a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which claims that N423 billion went missing under the leadership of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The report, which was first issued in June 2024, resurfaced this week, with some media outlets treating it as “breaking news.”

However, the former officials insist that they debunked the allegations in June and July of 2024, proving that the claims lack credibility.

According to the ex-officials, many of the loans listed in the report were not acquired during their administration, while others were disbursed after their tenure.

They further argue that certain loans were double-counted, and even a railway loan that was never contracted was included in the accusations.

In their statement, the former officials dismissed the idea that 40% of Kaduna’s earnings over eight years simply disappeared.

“Only those inclined to fiction can believe such a claim,” they remarked.

They also accused Governor Uba Sani’s administration of misrepresenting El-Rufai-era achievements, including projects funded by the AGILE initiative, the World Bank CARES infrastructure program, and the RAAMP roads program, all of which were initiated under El-Rufai’s tenure but are now being credited to Sani.

Beyond the allegations, the former officials claim that the Uba Sani government is targeting El-Rufai’s allies.

They cited the cases of Bashir Saidu and Jimi Lawal, both of whom have allegedly been detained unlawfully despite fulfilling bail conditions.

Furthermore, the government has reportedly blocked their release through administrative measures, including suspending land verification services.

The former officials argue that the real aim of these actions is to tarnish El-Rufai’s political legacy.

They contend that since the N423 billion claim remains unproven, the Sani administration is using media propaganda and criminal charges to create the illusion of corruption.

The statement concluded by highlighting the accomplishments of El-Rufai’s administration, including significant increases in Kaduna’s internally generated revenue (from N13 billion in 2015 to N58 billion in 2022), public service reforms, and key infrastructure projects.

“We will not be silenced,” the former officials declared. “We will continue to defend our legacy and expose this smokescreen of deceit.”