Uba Sani Warns Journalists: Watch Out for New Activists

Governor Uba Sani Warns Against Politicians Threatening Democracy

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has raised concerns about the growing threat posed by certain politicians who, according to him, are undermining democratic principles in Nigeria. His remarks were made during a gathering with journalists after breaking the Ramadan fast at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.

Sani described these individuals as “latter day activists” and warned that their actions could jeopardize the progress made in establishing democracy in the country. He emphasized that journalists have played a crucial role in the fight for democracy, often sacrificing their freedom and even their lives to ensure that the voice of the people is heard.

The Role of Journalists in Democracy

The governor recalled how, during the struggle for democracy, civil rights activists relied heavily on journalists. Many of them faced severe consequences, including loss of life, for their commitment to justice and freedom. He stressed that without the contributions of journalists, the concept of democracy in Nigeria would not be where it is today.

Sani also highlighted the importance of vigilance against those he called “conflict merchants.” These politicians, he said, do not focus on critical issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, or poverty alleviation. Instead, they exploit ethnic and religious divisions, which can lead to societal fragmentation.

A Shift in Allegiances

One of the most striking points made by the governor was his observation that some of these so-called activists were once aligned with military dictators during the struggle for democracy. Now, he said, they are trying to position themselves as champions of democracy, a shift that he finds both surprising and concerning.

He questioned the credibility of these figures, asking, “What do they know about fundamental human rights? What do they know about freedom? What do they know about the rule of law?” According to Sani, journalists should hold these individuals accountable for their past actions.

Development Achievements in Kaduna State

Despite the challenges, Governor Sani shared several achievements of his administration in Kaduna State. He pointed out that before his government took office, 12 local governments had no roads for over a decade. In just two and a half years, development has been extended to all 23 local governments, reflecting a commitment to equity and justice.

In the healthcare sector, Sani noted that only five of the 32 secondary hospitals in the state were functional when he took office. Today, 15 of these hospitals are undergoing renovation, equipping, and remodeling to better serve the population.

Education Initiatives

Education has also been a major focus of the administration. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, there were approximately 580,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna State. This number has now been reduced to 182,000. With support from the Kuwait Development Fund, Islamic Development Bank, UNICEF, and other development partners, the state plans to build an additional 102 schools.

Kaduna State is the only subnational entity to have benefited from $62.8 million in funding aimed at addressing the issue of out-of-school children. Sani attributed this success to the transparency of his administration.

A Commitment to Equity

The governor emphasized that the goal is to ensure that no child is left out of the classroom. He believes that education is the greatest equalizer and is committed to providing quality education to the children of the poor. This vision underscores the administration’s broader mission to uplift the most vulnerable members of society.