In size, political stature and achievements, Sir Ahmadu Bello loomed large across the arena. Sardauna, as he was called, built people, edifices and institutions as the Premier of Northern Nigeria. However, the colossus was killed in 1966 and as yet, his political dexterity remains unparalleled in the north.
Specifically, Senator Uba Sani, the Kaduna State governor, is approximating him in some respects. Right now, he is building bridges, embracing people and accommodating all tendencies on the political spectrum. Figuratively, he has erected a big tent and Muslim clerics, as well as Christian clergymen, including politicians and non partisans, the young and old, are now under one roof. Likewise, projects are spread across local governments, amongst the three senatorial districts and between urban and rural areas. The governor, from all intents and purposes, is deliberate about inclusion.
Last October, he hosted elders and senior citizens, comprising retired Generals and civil servants, accomplished businessmen, seasoned politicians from all parties, as well as elder statesmen of Kaduna State. In fact, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, former Head of Service, and retired General Zamani Lekwot, are Co-Chairmen of the Kaduna Elders/Senior Citizens Forum, a peace-building advisory body. Similarly, in his strategic engagement, Senator Uba Sani chairs the quarterly Inter-Religious Harmony Committee, where he rubs minds with religious leaders.
Last Saturday, he hosted Kaduna State Council of Ulama and Imams, at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, to the breaking of Ramadan fast. In particular, Sheikh Khalifa Sani Zaria, Sheikh Tukur Al Mannar and Imam Kabir Kassim, Chief Imam of Kafanchan, as well as Malam Muhammadu Mai Barota, were at the Iftar.
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Similarly, Christian clergymen like Reverend Joseph Hayab, Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Archbishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso, Reverend Bitrus Gajere and Apostle Comfort Kato, were among the 35 pastors that broke fast with the governor on Sunday.
Politically, Governor Uba Sani has been wooing the opposition, in the last ten months, to join hands in building Kaduna State. Indeed, spokesman of Kaduna State PDP Campaign Council, Alhaji Yakubu Lere, has harkened to the call and last July, he pitched tent with the APC.
Likewise, the Chairman of Chikun Local Government, Mr Salasi Musa, and his Councillors have left the PDP, a party on whose platform they were voted into office. Similarly, Kajuru Local Government Chairman, Hon Ibrahim Gajere, has voted with his feet, so has Hon Mathias Siman, his counterpart at Kaura Area Council. Last Monday, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, ex Governor of Kaduna State, formally ditched the PDP for the ruling APC.
Ibraheem Musa wrote from Kaduna, Kaduna State
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