Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the governor of Kano state, called a recent disagreement between southern and northern governors over power shift as “unfortunate.”
He claimed power shifts are a “custom” in Nigerian politics that has survived through “gentleman agreement,” but questioned why governors should allow such issues to divide them into a North-South divide.
Ganduje, who spoke at Sani Abacha Stadium to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary, called on the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, to intervene and bring the governors from the two factions together.
Governor Ganduje sincerely prayed for Nigeria’s unity and progress, adding that the country’s cultural and religious differences should act as a unifying force, and that any call for disintegration is unnecessary.
He praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
“It has been 61 years since we emancipated our country, Nigeria, from the shackles of colonialism and imperialism,” he says.
Every year since that historic day, we have gathered to celebrate, express our unbridled joy, and convey a strong sense of love for our country, as well as the imperative of ensuring that we reach our potential as Africa’s most populous black nation.
“As a result, Independence Day is a joyous opportunity for all Nigerians to honor our forefathers’ sacrifices to obtain independence from colonial masters.
I’d want to thank Allah the Almighty for the many gifts He has showered on us over the years, as well as for the opportunity to witness yet another national event in this administration’s life.
“Today, the rule of law, respect for individual liberties, human rights, democratic accountability norms, and social justice requirements are strengthened by freedom and the promotion of democratic values.” Nonetheless, in recent years, we have recognized that the most significant difficulty we face is the matter of security, as well as, to some extent, our corporate existence as a single nation.
“However, we must not overlook the reality that Nigeria’s determination to remain one indivisible entity has not wavered.”
Fellow people, I have always believed that Nigeria is a united and indivisible nation, and that our constitution recognizes this. Secession, in my opinion, is not a viable solution to the country’s current problems.
“Instead, I advocate for communication as a critical means of resolving such issues.”
I am certain that with hard effort, honesty, and integrity, we will be able to realize the hopes and aspirations of our nation’s founding fathers, who envisioned us as a dynamic, progressive, prosperous, and united nation.
“We must all rise to the occasion and contribute significantly to the growth of our motherland.”
We must not overlook the significance of peace for any development to occur. If our country does not have peace, all of our ambitions and huge dreams will be for naught.
“The recent outbreak of banditry and kidnapping is simply unacceptable,” Ganduje remarked of security. No criminal should be allowed to harass citizens and create an atmosphere of fear in our country.
“Let us, on this wonderful occasion, applaud the leadership and valiant men and women of our security forces, who have placed their lives on the line in recent operations against these criminals to ensure our safety and security.”
They are true patriots. I implore you all to help me in ensuring that those who would disturb our peace have nowhere to hide. We must not allow the failures of the past or the challenges of today to stifle our dynamism.”
“Let us accept today’s challenges as chances for a brighter tomorrow,” he added. Let us re-define our sense of national responsibility and dispel any remaining doubts about our ability to handle this crisis.
“Fellow countrymen, with your mandate, we are into the sixth year of our first and second terms in government,” Ganduje remarked of his modest achievements thus far. We have not promised much during this time, but we thank Almighty Allah that we have been able to deliver much in terms of developing and implementing policies and programs aimed at the growth of our beloved state.
“Through our various interventions in matters related to security, educational institutions, healthcare delivery, public service, improved agricultural inputs and production, skill development, and economic empowerment programs, we have achieved peace and security, human capital development, physical infrastructure, and sustainable economic development.”
“As I stated in my inauguration address, we would only undertake new vital infrastructure projects that have a direct impact on the general public while we focus on completing all of our infrastructure development projects.”
I’d like to update you on some of our accomplishments, particularly what we’ve been able to do during our second term in office.
“President Muhammadu Buhari recently commissioned one of our trademark projects, the three-layer Dangi by Zaria Road changeover road,” said the company. Apart from the beauty of the multi-billion dollar project suited for a Mega metropolis, the traffic jam in that location of the bridge is now a thing of the past, as you can attest.
“At the major NNPC roundabout in Hotoro, our state capital, we have already started a comparable essential signature project, which is the construction of a new multi-layered flyover and interchange roads.”
Another massive project now underway is the establishment of a multi-million naira world-class Kano Cancer Treatment Centre within the grounds of Muhammadu Buhari Hospital Giginyu.
“The project’s work has progressed to a satisfactory level. When fully operational, the center will treat 100 patients every day, reducing medical tourism and the exorbitant expense of cancer treatment in other countries. Construction on the renovation of 400-bed hospitals in each of the four newly established Emirates’ headquarters is also proceeding.
“This is in addition to the development of a road network to support our burgeoning megacity.” Along the Kano-Zaria Federal Highway, the multi-million Naira Aliko Dangote Skill Acquisition Centre has also been finished and is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for the training of our kids in various trades.
“While applications for admission to the center are being evaluated, plans are being made to officially commission the project.
This is in addition to the other youth and women economic development programs that we have implemented since our establishment. We are currently training the fourth batch of 150 young men and women in auto mechanics at the PAN Learning Centre, and they will graduate soon.
“We value Kano’s role as a commercial and industrial hub in the North, and we are committed to generating power from the state-owned Independent Power Project (IPP) at Challawa and Tiga Dams for industrial and other purposes.”
“The project, which involves certain significant state public utility businesses, is meant to create an estimated 7.2 megawatts of power for a start and is predicted to have a good impact on the conservation of monetary resources being wasted by the state in servicing electricity bills.”
During the day, it will give energy to small-scale enterprises at the Sharada, Challawa, and Bompai Industrial Estates, while at night, the two water treatment plants at Tamburawa and Challawa will provide power to street lights to improve the state’s security situation.
“Fellow Kano residents, we have been treated to a beautiful performance by school children as well as men and women from the police and other services.” It took hours and weeks of work for them to be able to put on such a flawless show, and I applaud them all. I wish you everyone a happy 61st Independence Day and, once again, a successful future for our beloved country. I appreciate your time and consideration.”
Ganduje expanded on his address in a brief interview with journalists shortly after the Independence Day celebrations, saying that “the recent dispute between northern governors and southern governors, as I previously indicated, is terrible.” Because a situation in which governors in one region use derogatory words about their colleagues in the other region is anything but civilized. That has nothing to do with civilization. There are a variety of problems at stake, some of which can be settled and others which are political party issues.
“Some of the issues that caused the dichotomy, in my opinion, is the subject of power shift, whether power should flow to the north or south.
“As I previously stated, the constitution makes no mention of power shifting from north to south, but power zoning has long been a norm in the country.” And this zoning is a political party’s strategy. Each political party must devise a winning strategy.
“You have not violated the constitution if you believe that shifting power will bring you votes to win elections.” The constitution is unaffected if you believe you can keep power in this country indefinitely and win elections. As a result, I believe that political parties should be in charge of resolving this issue. As governors, we cannot have two opposing groupings. That is critical. ” As a result, I ask the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum to call a meeting of the governors forum so that we can apologize to one other for making unflattering remarks about each other on a strictly political topic. That is my position on the matter.”
“Another issue that generated the dichotomy is the issue of open grazing,” he added. Each state has the authority to enact legislation, and each of these states is unique. What is an issue in one state may or may not be a problem in another. As a result, states have the authority to enact legislation through their state legislatures.
“As I’ve said before, it’s sad that the topic of open grazing has sparked so much debate.
“As I previously stated, trekking from the northern portion of the country to the middle belt, central part of the country, or south is not acceptable to me.” To me, it is criminal since the children will be unable to receive an education. Will the educational system follow them as they travel from the north to the center to the south of the country? Is that something that any educational system can agree on?
“That’s the one. The fact that some of these herdsmen come from West African countries is another matter. They go down to the northern sections of the country, the Middle Belt, and the South with thousands of cattle and weaponry as a result of climatic change. Is that something Nigeria can live with? Isn’t it possible to take it to the ECOWAS organization because it’s caused by a problem? Many years ago, before the issue of climate change, the relationship between ranchers and farmers was regarded as a symbiotic one. The farmers offer grazing spaces for the herdsmen, and the herdsmen provide the farmers with manure.
“However, since the discovery of fertilizer, farmers no longer use manure, and as the population grows, grazing grounds are shrinking.” The vegetation has changed as a result of climate change. As a result, the relationship is now parasitic rather than symbiotic, resulting in conflict.
“I believe it is therefore preferable to construct a ranching system in which herders are confined to a location where they can engage in contemporary animal husbandry.”
“That is why we created the Ruga system at the Dansoshiya Forest here in Kano, where we give water, housing units, marketplaces, veterinary clinics, educational systems, and schools for the children so that they can have social development like any other person in Nigeria.”
