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BY JAMES SWAM
The current democratic government has just completed 365 days in office, but some citizens believe it is too early to assess its performance. At what point should a government be evaluated? Two years? Three years? Or is it better done at the end of the prescribed term? This writer believes that one year provides ample time for comparison and charting a way forward. To ensure that government policies are effectively delivered, it is important to understand how they are implemented and if they work for the public.
Evaluating the programmes and “service delivery model” of the government of Kaduna State over the past year is a crucial contribution to effective governance. The essence of governance is to provide a leap into a better future for the masses, offering a unique experience of the dividends of democracy.
Governor Uba Sani’s policies and activities in one year may not have met the expectations of all people due to the ongoing national economic challenges and political dissimilarity, but many view his governance style as impressive, especially considering the considerable positives recorded. In this evaluation of the governor’s first year in office, the writer acknowledges that perspectives on issues, backgrounds, and the criteria used to measure performance in the selected sectors will differ from one pundit to another while the emphasis on the theme may vary.
Nonetheless, let’s delve into the three key areas to highlight, namely: rural infrastructure, reducing the cost of governance, and the restoration of cultural festivals, making comparisons with the past government.
One of the highlights of this 365-day journey is the governor’s focus on delivering infrastructure to rural and suburban communities. This marks a sharp contrast to the previous administration, which prioritized “urban renewal,” concentrating on a few metropolitan areas and settlements of the bourgeois and upper class. This approach completely left out communities where the petite bourgeoisie and the proletariat reside.
Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated resolve to take development to the lower class in society by initiating the construction of roads, skills acquisition centers, bridges, drainages, and culverts in the hinterlands to reduce urban drift. These constructions aim to open up rural communities, facilitate transportation of farm produce, and engender inter-communal relationships through access to one another. In line with the budget theme for the year, observers have noted that projects were flagged off or commissioned in many local governments, linking different towns across multiple LGAs. As of March, about 827 kilometers of roads have been awarded which is quite remarkable.
A few days ago the Agwatyap, paramount ruler of the Atyap people, Sir Dominic Yahaya told selected journalists that, unlike his predecessor, the governor deserved a pat on the back for the ongoing projects in his domain, acknowledging that Uba Sani is doing well in rural infrastructure development.
The second highlight is the governor’s unwavering firmness to lessen governance costs to shore up working capital. Ten months into the life of the administration the governor lamented that only about 30% of federal allocation comes to the state monthly owing to debt repayment. To ensure the administration functions effectively and delivers on its seven-point agenda, several decisive actions were taken to reduce the cost of governance. These include a directive that no new operational vehicles should be purchased for government officials, including the governor and deputy governor until the state’s financial status improves.
Additionally, salaries and allowances of political office holders, including commissioners, and other top aides were cut down by the government. This is indeed a significant event in the life of he administration. While other state governors are spending more on political appointees Gov Uba Sani has instead taken from them to fund state activities. This is unlike his predecessor who doubled the remuneration of appointees.
The third highlight is one of the key attributes of the administration’s 365 days; the revival of cultural festivals in the southern part of the state less than a year into the administration. This is a significant achievement. During the previous administration, cultural celebrations were either abruptly halted or observed without fanfare due to insecurity, which included the kidnapping of three traditional rulers in Jaba, Zangon Kataf, and Kachia local governments, as well as the killing of women and children and the destruction of community life.
Cultural events are back and people are celebrating. For instance, the famous Kagoro New Year festival, a longstanding melting pot of cultures was held on 1 January after a four-year temporary suspension. It was staged in a grand style with great enthusiasm by the people. Additionally, Nom Bajju was revived in Zonkwa, the headquarters of the Zangon Kataf local government. It’s equally another convergence of rich culture on display by multiple communities celebrating God’s protection, and provision, and wishing for better days, especially in productivity.
Tuk-Ham (Ham Day) festival in Kwoi came to life after a six-year hiatus with fanfare. A huge cultural celebration in Jaba local government, home of the famous Nok Terracotta – it’s a noteworthy event that attracts not only tourists, but archeologists, historians, and writers curious to know the people behind this civilisation.
There was also a 3-day cultural event tagged Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST) held in Kafanchan from 28-30 December 2023, championed by the Southern Kaduna Elders Forum. The splendid event, attended by Governor Uba Sani and his Bayelsa State counterpart, legislators, former governors, serving and retired military generals, retired and serving diplomats, religious leaders, tourists, traditional rulers, politicians, captains of industry, culture enthusiasts, etc. witnessed an outpouring of joy and celebration. With the theme “Experience Unity, Celebrate Culture”, ethnic groups in the zone participated colourfully.
Various cultural celebrations were held in varied communities across many local governments as a clear testament to the return of lively activities in the senatorial zone as musically pleasing drums, and assorted flutes reverberated across communities reinforcing dancer’s lyrical performance. This also signifies the return of relative peace in southern Kaduna.
As this administration clocks one year, the obvious changes in the physical and social environment of the state under Uba Sani have been hailed by stakeholders. The acknowledgment of positive changes in society, people’s attitudes, and knowledge are partly the measures that determine whether a government is making the right choices for the preponderance of the masses.
James Swam, former Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State and Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Kaduna Chapter, is the author of *How to be an Effective Spokesperson*
