The Sunny Side of Uba Sani
Diligence and evidence of having fulfilled promises may just remain the two most powerful indications of a good governor in Nigeria. Still ticking these boxes, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, is winning cheers and accolades from people great and small over his feats in Kaduna. In this area, the former Kaduna Central senator appears to be leading the pack.
The most attractive of the waves of cheers and commendations sent to Uba is from Babangida Aliyu, the former governor of Niger State. According to him, Uba’s leadership style is inclusive and wholesome, paired with a compassionate disposition that causes his gaze and focus to stay on the needs of his people.
Aliyu made a startling comment, which is that Sani’s leadership has protected the people of Kaduna from the winds of hardship currently blowing across Nigeria. Aliyu tied this accomplishment to Sani’s willingness to fulfil promises, going above and beyond what is asked of him, such as in giving out massive lands for relevant projects and his unwavering commitment to education.
Different sentiments have accompanied the recent praises extended to Governor Sani. Most people are excited that the governor is being recognized for good things, while others worry that such praises might numb him to the incentivization of public recognition. But it matters not given that Sani is gradually filling up the shoes of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Set side by side, Sani looks no different from his predecessor in terms of starting grace. El-Rufai also had praises sung about him in the beginning. Fortunately, he remained on this stellar path of accomplishment, giving nothing short of his best for the satisfaction of those who brought him to power.
Sani is doing the same, neither unduly humble nor arrogant, simply being the leader of the people of Kaduna. In this area, Sani is doing a fantastic job.
Time is a precious thing that looks abundant one minute and is gone in the next. President Bola Tinubu entered Aso Rock with appointments blazing, distinguishing allies from antagonists by those whose names were listed in his book of appointments. Having gone on this long and not including names such as Akinwunmi Ambode, questions arise as to whether the former Lagos governor has a chance at an appointment in this new year.
It’s been a while since President Tinubu took over from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. During the era of the latter, appointments into the ruling class were rare, often occurring only when a resident power-holder messed up too obviously. Tinubu has shown that he is not the same, being very generous. But he has not yet assigned any position to his former godson, Ambode.
Ambode, as a former governor of Lagos, has the needed experience to man an agency. Men of lower qualifications and exposure are doing so already. This has caused some people to wonder if Ambode remains unlisted in Tinubu’s appointment books because of old tales of perceived disrespect and disloyalty.