Someone should tell Ganduje, By Abdulyassar Abdulhamid

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Gov. Ganduje of Kano State.

Kano State occupies a strategic position in this country. Aside the ever rising population, the composition of the state is extremely complex, to say the least; and the state will definitely witness more influx of men and women owing to the texture of infrastructural developments going on in different parts of the state.

In the last twenty years or there about, many political parties have blossomed and several others shrank. By implication politicians and administrations – altruistic and selfish – came to the limelight and a score others forgotten.

This state – Kano – has witnessed, in the last twenty years, a volcanic eruption of political instability-cum-discontinuity due to intense political rivalry. This has robbed the state of many opportunities. One may believe it or not but the common man has always been at the receiving end.

A political unit’s political instability and economic growth are deeply interconnected. In this case, it is wise to say that Kano’s political uncertainty has done a great damage to the economic growth and political wellbeing of the state.

For instance, many projects meant for the improvement of the wellbeing of the people of the state had been abandoned or shortchanged as a result of radical changes of governments in the state. Imaging how much would have been achieved had the state recorded twenty years of political stability.  

However, it is right to say that Kano’s towering image of a melting pot of unhealthy political differences is fast overwhelming that time-honoured appellation of being the centre of commerce. Oral political activists (sojojin baka) are smuggled into or flood the state of their own volition to dent the image of whomsoever they wish to.

However, from March 9, 2019 to date, a lot has happened – the unexpected took the centre stage. Many political fissures have been sired perhaps due to overheated political campaigns that prefixed the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state.

The seeds of enmity have been sowed in our neighbourhood – few meters away from our doorstops are discordant voices that can die to defend their political leanings, for good or bad. Many have been set against others in the name of political differences. Many others have been misled by vested interests, which will not care a straw if the state were to burst in flames.

Activists turned political minions spoke, wrote and oftentimes bleated; but neither was there any knowledge, wisdom or sincerity in all they said. The intention was, so it is, to divide the people the more.

I watched as many a comrade, so they are called, crossed that blurry line between politics and “activism”, assuming the post of political minions, which will not augur well for our dear state.

Many who had believed they could maintain a safer place on the tide of neutrality, or so they pretended, courtesy of their profession of being watchdog and/or influencers of the actions of policy makers have compromised, thinking they are clever enough to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

However, in politics there is no question of legitimacy about political differences. Everyone has the right to an ideology not only in politics in almost everything; but the question is how healthy are our political differences? Are those stances self-serving or altruistic?

Isn’t it sad that it is almost a year since the March 2019 gubernatorial election in the state, but the drums of election campaigns have continued to sound as if the state is going to polls the next day? When will Kano differentiate between politics and governance?

By the way, one disadvantage of that political misadventure of Kano of all states is that the state ends up doing more harm to itself and the people. The four years stipulated for a term may be spent fighting political wars instead of the action of managing the state.

To do justice to Governor Ganduje, his administration has recorded successes. Modest developments in infrastructure, education and health are there for everyone to see.

As promised, he has presented a carrot (an olive branch of sort) to the opposition and is, by the composition of his appointments, leading an inclusive government.

It is against this background I think someone should tell Governor Ganduje that Kano State, as Governor el-Rufai once said, is the beacon of hope for northern Nigeria, meaning that if the region were to experience a strong political reawakening, that will spring up from Kano.

I still remember what Governor Ganduje said during his inaugural speech in 2019 and I quote: “You will recall that at my swearing-in as the Governor of our dear state on May 29, 2015, I stated the driving policies of this government in my maiden address, which would be predicated on continuation, consolidation, fine tuning of ongoing critical infrastructural projects embarked upon by the previous administrations and to further initiate more people-oriented policies and programs for the overall development of our dear state.

“As we collectively face the challenges to make Kano a better place to live in, we must not forget that elections are over. It is now for us to work and make sure that everybody counts. I shall run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind. No matter your political affiliation, we will make Kano work for you.”

It is for this reason, I think, too, that someone closer should tell Ganduje that this is the right time to build an enduring legacy. It is the right time to build a solid foundation upon which modern Kano State should be placed.

Someone should tell Ganduje that this is the right time to assume the posture of a monk, sit quietly, ponder and meditate miles away from any sycophantic voices. He should now look inwardly and outwardly. There rest upon his shoulders the destiny of this great state.

Not every politician – living or dead – has that exotic opportunity of being two-time governor in a row. Not every governor has exhausted civil service at the federal and state levels and crocheted from one ministry to another as Ganduje did. He has it all.

Someone should tell Ganduje that the minutes of praise-singing have elapsed. There rests in his hand the future, the destiny, of about twenty million people, largely youth. It is his to mar or to make.

Please, one should tell Ganduje that Kano at the moment is at a crossroad. The state now has a chance of establishing a blueprint for political action and good governance. It can set a precedent for the entire region.

The state is now confronted with fierce demand for stronger institutions bound by internal cohesion. It is in dire need of a reformed civil service for greater service delivery. It is in need of more employment opportunities as well as an enabling environment. Only then we will have Kano of our dream that will work for all of us.

Abdulhamid wrote via abdullahiyassar2013@gmail.com

Twitter: yassara2013

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Sky Daily