Dear Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state,
the dawn of the new year has brought a sense of hope to our beloved state, as evidenced by the optimism lingering in the air. The conclusion of 2023 was marked by a remarkable surge of excitement, with the activities of the year paving the way for renewed hope anchored on the promise in your speeches and the 2024 budget.
As January unfolds, I find it fitting to extend heartfelt New Year wishes in response to your concise seven-paragraph January 1 speech titled, “2024 Shall be a year of possibilities and good tidings.” May the Almighty answer your prayers.
Permit me to contribute my insights to the governance discourse having observed your leadership trajectory with keen interest since you assumed office. I have considered in detail some of your speeches, written and offhand, and subjected them to analysis to uncover their essential features. I have noted certain expressions that reverberate well with the electorate’s expectations, apparently aligning with your vision for the state.
Your inaugural speech, budget speech, New Year’s speech, Christmas Carol speech, SKFEST speech, and countless others, are instances filled with these expressions. Your commitment to building a state free from oppression, marginalisation, and neglect is commendable. Your choice of words reflects a rejection of unfavourable postures associated with terms like ‘oppressed’ and ‘marginalised.’
You said, “We are building a state where no one will feel oppressed, marginalised, or neglected. We are taking development closer to the people through the Rural Transformation and Nurturing of Citizens Engagement initiatives.”
I commend your impressive preference for descent expression, coupled with non-verbal cues that effectively convey your thoughts. This resonates particularly well with the concerns of the common man in the street and a section of the state who felt marginalised, and neglected.
As the 19th governor of our vast and heterogeneous state, your commitment to overcoming the myriad challenges is evident. Your resolute actions convey a determination to surmount obstacles like the man-made dichotomy between the North and South that have caused commotion impeding progress in recent years. This is witnessed in your open engagements and stakeholders’ interactions in various communities. Indeed, you appear ready to rebuild damaged bridges to foster a sound relationship with all.
I encourage you to remain steadfast and faithful in your commitment to even development and fair treatment for all. Your activist past, advocating for freedom, liberty, equality, fairness, and justice, has shaped your journey to the governorship. You traversed the landscape of this nation joining forces with the late legendary Gani Fawehinmi and numerous human rights icons promoting adherence to these universal principles of life.
Your current position is a manifestation of divine providence and it’s not without a purpose. Yes! It’s about God’s guardianship and control over your life. He has chosen you to redeem the state and rebuild it into a model. Stay committed to your promises during electioneering and as an activist. Uphold your commitment to treating everyone equally, transcending religious, ethnic, and social boundaries.
Avoid the path taken by a certain comrade who as governor suddenly became hostile to roadside traders, kicking their wares with his feet on live camera thus earning him unkind reactions that tainted his reputation. Ensure that the impact of rural development is felt across all senatorial zones, local government areas, and wards. If these become your signature, as you promised in your first budget, your reputation will soar against your predecessors’.
Just as I was completing this letter, the Supreme Court delivered its judgement on Friday, 19 January, affirming your election. In your brief statement, you pledged to continue to operate “a people-centered, inclusive, and pro-development administration” in fulfillment of the SUSTAIN agenda. It’s crucial to uphold this commitment.
Wishing you continued success in governance.
James Swam, former press secretary to the deputy governor of Kaduna state and author of ‘How to be an Effective Spokesperson.’
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