By Our Correspondent
Staunch suporter of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has strongly rejected the renewed circulation of a 2006 report alleging corruption against him, describing the claims as a politically motivated campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation and undermining ongoing accountability efforts in the state.
In a rejoinder issued on Tuesday, one of the governor’s supporters, Baba Jibril, said the allegations had never been proven by any court of competent jurisdiction or credible anti-corruption agency. He argued that reviving the nearly two-decade-old petition was an attempt to distort history and divert public attention from the governor’s performance in office.
Jibril said Uba Sani built his reputation through years of commitment to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the Campaign for Democracy. According to him, the governor endured arrests, harassment and detention while joining other activists in the fight to restore democratic rule.
He insisted that portraying the governor as a compromised public official disregards his longstanding record of service and dedication to democratic values.
Highlighting Sani’s legislative achievements in the 9th Senate, Jibril noted that the former senator sponsored 32 bills, including the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFIA) Act 2022, which he said modernised Nigeria’s financial sector. He also recalled that Sani was honoured as the “Most Valuable Parliamentarian” and “Overall Best Parliamentarian” of the 9th National Assembly.
The statement further outlined the achievements of the Kaduna State Government since Governor Sani assumed office on May 29, 2023. It credited his administration’s Kaduna Peace Model with improving security, leading to the reopening of markets, the return of displaced communities and the revival of commercial activities.
It also highlighted the upgrade of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres to Level 2 status, the establishment of a 300-bed Specialist Hospital and the Kaduna State Centre for Disease Control, as well as a 40 per cent reduction in tuition fees at state-owned tertiary institutions and the re-enrolment of more than 300,000 out-of-school children.
According to the statement, the administration’s financial inclusion programme has enabled more than 2.5 million poor and vulnerable residents to open bank accounts. It added that Kaduna State has received 23 awards within three years for achievements in peace, security, inclusive growth and transparent governance.
Responding to the renewed corruption allegations, Jibril argued that if the 2006 petition had contained any credible legal basis, it would have resulted in prosecution or sanctions long ago. Instead, he said, Sani continued to rise in public service, serving as a Special Assistant, Senator and now Governor of Kaduna State.
He attributed the petition to the political rivalry between former President and former Vice President , maintaining that it is now being revived by political opponents intent on discrediting the governor.
Jibril further alleged that the renewed attacks were connected to ongoing investigations into the financial affairs of the immediate past Kaduna State administration, claiming that those behind the allegations were attempting to obstruct accountability efforts.
He maintained that Governor Uba Sani remains committed to transparency, accountability and due process, insisting that his administration will not be intimidated.
The statement urged Nigerians to judge the governor by his record in office rather than what it described as recycled and unsubstantiated allegations, arguing that his administration’s reforms and achievements provide a stronger measure of his leadership than politically motivated attacks.
