In the business of accountability which democratic dispensation is all about, we can at the right moment hold ex-Governors accountable. One such ex-Governor coming to the Senate for the first time is Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, a two-term Governor of the most populous state in Nigeria—Kano—from 2003-2011.
Shekarau’s approach to governance easily showed him as someone who values human capital development. His visionary antecedences were captured in many facets of state craftsmanship he displayed during his days. These are too numerous to mention in this write up. But one that stands the test of time and continues to be relevant was the Hisba. This is a socio-religious body brought about as a tool of implementing the Sharia Law in the state has won the hearts of many in the state—Muslims and Christians alike. Its role in the implementation of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms reduced the number of people reporting to the police or taking their cases to courts was remarkable.
The visionary body has over the years built a cordial working relationship with other federal institutions, such as NAPTIP and NDLEA apart from the police that has been keeping Kano free from child traffickers, drug peddlers and other petty criminals.
His unprecedented settlement of over 20 year’s arrears of pension gratuities, prior to his ascension to power, is still a constant reference in the state today. In his days, pensioners get paid before any group of civil servants. The overhead costs of running the MDAs were never in short supply. In short, in the transparent and accountable manner he ran the government.
His peace-loving disposition is best appreciated in the manner he handled the security situation of the state in the 8 years of his administration. Prior to his coming to power Kano was notorious for its ethnic-cum-religious crises. But throughout his eight year administration Kano was at peace. Not a single crisis was recorded during his first and second tenures, thanks to his dexterity in managing the complex, cosmopolitan and multi-cultural society that Kano is and will continue to be. How he was able to neutralize the dangerous, rascals and recalcitrant youths called ‘Yan Daba’ in Kano and kept the Boko Haram insurgents at bay remain to be fathomed.
Shekarau going to Senate will enable him continue playing these positive roles at the national level. His first shot into national limelight was his attempt to contest the Presidential race in 2011 under the ANPP. Few months into Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency, he was appointed as Minister of Education. Most of the landmark achievements of the Jonathan’s regime in educational sector were achieved while he was in the office.
Shekarau will bring to the 9th Senate his vast experience in the art of good governance, conflict management and resolution, team building and accountability.
On the other hand, he will be closely watched by those who sent him there from the 17 LGAs that formed the Kano Central Senatorial district. They will expect more from him in terms of contribution to meaningful debates that will unite the country against its many fault lines.
They will expect him to prominently partake in the checking of the excesses of the executive and ensure that socio-economic developments across the nation are evenly distributed. They will, above all, expect him not to play to the gallery of untoward activities occasionally found in the National Assembly that boarder on political misadventure, economic sabotage or moral bankruptcy.
Three undeniable traits defines Shekarau—humility, his peace-loving nature and visionary outlook. Surely, these are valuable asset to take to the Senate, and the 9th Senate will find in Shekarau a valuable asset.
Bashir Ibrahim Hassan contributed this piece from Abuja
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