THESHIELD Garkuwa
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By JAMES SWAM
The mid-January ruling by the Supreme Court
affirming Senator Uba Sani as the elected governor of Kaduna State came as the harmattan intensified. Delivered on Friday, 19 January 2024, the verdict marked the climax of a protracted legal battle that had kept the citizens of the state on edge since the election was held in March the previous year.
Over the course of eight months, outstanding legal experts engaged in rigorous legal arguments, citing various authorities. They navigated through the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, and finally, the Supreme Court. The apex court’s judgement, which upheld the declaration made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ended a quest for a return to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
With the resolution of the election dispute, the administration’s attention now turns to the expectations of the populace – accessible and affordable healthcare, education, clean drinking water, improved rural infrastructure, reasonable housing, a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence, and supportive regulations for the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
For Governor Uba Sani and his team, these are pivotal to the administration. The government has prioritized the welfare of its citizens and the implementation of achievable plans to address these urgent development needs in the four years of the administration.
Now, the crux of the matter. Shortly after the court’s judgment, the governor issued a concise press statement, inviting all citizens, including those from the opposition, to collaborate in delivering effective governance. He underlined the importance of a people-centered, inclusive approach, stating, “It is time for us to join hands to take Kaduna State to a higher level.” In other words, no one should be indifferent to the dreams of the state.
Governance, he emphasised, is a collective effort, requiring open-mindedness and a willingness to embrace diverse perspectives. Unlike historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, who viewed relationships as purely transactional, Governor Uba Sani is committed to fostering meaningful collaborations aimed at advancing the development of the state. He recognises that true progress stems from collective efforts and bold initiatives, rather than individual achievements.
In pledging to lead an inclusive and development-oriented government, the governor signals his commitment to prioritising the interests of the people above personal acclaim. He envisions a future where the success of Kaduna State is shared by all its inhabitants, reflecting a collective endeavour towards progress and prosperity.
This is primarily why he has highlighted that his administration welcomes positive ideas to enhance governance. In other words, he has urged citizens to offer fresh viewpoints to the various socio-economic and political challenges hindering the state’s progress, aiming to expedite Kaduna’s development.
“Our doors are open to all stakeholders in the Kaduna Project,” he stated in the press release. “Any citizen of Kaduna State who has something to contribute will be given an opportunity. It is about the glory of Kaduna State, not personal glory,” the governor boldly added.
The governor’s inclusive approach marks a significant step in the state’s political evolution, empowering those committed to Kaduna’s advancement to actively participate. He firmly believes in leveraging diverse skills for effective results, moving beyond passive observation to proactive engagement.
This perhaps underscores the imperative of the administration’s development agenda, one of which focuses on strengthening open government partnership (OGP) under the nurturing citizens’ engagement platform to promote citizens’ participation in governance.
Often likened to a wizard, not in the magical sense but for his exceptional abilities, Governor Uba Sani understands the realities of life. His leadership transcends political divides, prioritising collective well-being over partisan interests. By keeping his doors open, he seeks to integrate diverse ideological perspectives to propel Kaduna into a model state for the 21st century.
Indeed, the governor’s perspective on open door governance makes sense. Compared to those who shut their doors because of differences in political ideologies, faith, or socio-economic status, Uba Sani has proved to be a divergent thinker.
Swam, a former press secretary to the deputy governor of Kaduna State, is the author of ‘How to be an Effective Spokesperson.’
