By Our Correspondent
Isaac Dambvou Tanko, a traditional titleholder from Southern Kaduna (Marafan Tsoriyang), has criticized the current Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, drawing comparisons between him and his predecessor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. In a statement shared with journalists on Friday, February 20, 2025, Tanko expressed disillusionment with the direction of governance under Uba Sani, claiming there is no real difference between his administration and El-Rufai’s.
Tanko accused Governor Uba Sani of ridiculing Southern Kaduna, stating that the region had never been treated with such disregard in the state’s history. He called for the people of Southern Kaduna to become more discerning, asserting that the current government has failed to deliver on promises of inclusivity and fair representation.
In his statement titled “Is Uba Sani Truly Different from Nasiru El-Rufai? Be Wiser, My People”, Tanko questioned the decision of certain individuals, including Senator Tella Laah, to support the new administration. He also made several comparisons between the leadership styles of El-Rufai and Uba Sani.
Tanko highlighted that, under El-Rufai’s leadership, Southern Kaduna had Christians in prominent government positions, including in the kitchen cabinet. However, he pointed out that Uba Sani has not appointed any Christians from Southern Kaduna to key positions, particularly criticizing the lack of Christian representation in major ministries.
The traditional leader also accused Uba Sani of imposing Muslim leaders in predominantly Christian local governments, including Kagarko, Jaba, and Kachia, and sidelining opposition voices during local government elections. He further lamented the marginalization of Southern Kaduna Christians in local and state politics, particularly regarding vice-chairmanship and council secretaries.
Tanko also pointed out that during El-Rufai’s tenure, the deputy governor had substantial responsibilities, with several commissioners under her, but Uba Sani has significantly reduced her role. He argued that El-Rufai had a more balanced approach to governance by appointing Southern Kaduna Christians to key positions in ministries such as Agriculture, Education, Works, and Justice.
The traditional titleholder criticized Uba Sani’s failure to continue or complete projects initiated by El-Rufai in Christian-majority areas, accusing the governor of favoring Muslim-dominated regions. Tanko also questioned Uba Sani’s true commitment to peace and Christianity, suggesting that his public displays, such as attending Christmas carols, were more about political manipulation than genuine concern for the Christian community.
In his final remarks, Tanko urged the people of Southern Kaduna to be cautious and not to fall for what he described as deceptive political strategies. He also noted that the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff from the Middle Belt by President Tinubu had contributed to the relative calm in the region, suggesting that without this, the situation might have been worse under a northern Muslim president.
Tanko’s statement adds to the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration, which some critics have described as even more neglectful of Southern Kaduna’s interests than El-Rufai’s.
