An Open Letter To The Governor Of Kaduna State

By JAMES SWAM

Dear Governor Uba Sani,

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: 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 in the promises articulated 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, Your Excellency, 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, whether delivered within the hallowed chambers of the Government House or elsewhere, are instances undoubtedly filled with these expressions.

Quoting from your New Year speech, the commitment to building a state free from oppression, marginalisation, and neglect is commendable. Your deliberate 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 on the street in general 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.

It’s clear that 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.

As governor, stay unwavering in implementing the promises you made during electioneering and even your time as an activist. Uphold your commitment to treating everyone equally, transcending religious, ethnic, and social boundaries.

Don’t renege, retract, retrace, deny, disown, or revoke your position. 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 governments, and wards. The populace should relive the experience of a positive transformation under your administration. 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 the brief statement you promptly signed, you pledged to continue to operate “a people-centered, inclusive, and pro-development administration” in fulfillment of the SUSTAIN agenda. While this is good, it’s crucial to uphold this commitment.

In conclusion, you’ve made commendable strides, but the electorate is keen to see if you’ll maintain the momentum. As an activist turned democrat, nurture trust, faith, and confidence in the electorate to enhance your administration’s outlook.

As a media and public relations practitioner, I haven’t had the opportunity to directly interact with you, thus kindly take this open letter as my honest professional input that could impact the administration.

Wishing you continued success in your governance journey.

_Swam was press secretary to the deputy governor of Kaduna State and author of the book, ‘How to be an Effective Spokesperson.’

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