The governor Kano state deserves in 2011
Therefore, the people of Kano State cannot afford to be aloof as the 2011 governorship contest in Kano State is fast approaching. Because of the positive achievements of the Shekarau administration, the question of who succeeds him is taking on increasing significance. Quality speaks for itself and it is hard to sell and sustain incompetence […]
Therefore, the people of Kano State cannot afford to be aloof as the 2011 governorship contest in Kano State is fast approaching. Because of the positive achievements of the Shekarau administration, the question of who succeeds him is taking on increasing significance. Quality speaks for itself and it is hard to sell and sustain incompetence for too long. Every leader with a good performance record is constantly concerned about who will take over from him.
With increasing awareness, the voters would be able to assess their own leaders on the basis of their performance records. Whether ANPP would retain power in Kano State in 2011 or not depends on the quality of the man the party nominates to succeed Governor Ibrahim Shekarau. Luckily, however, the citizens of Kano State are coming out to assess the individual performance records of the members of Shekarau’s cabinet. One of the most honest assessment I have read was the article by one Mohammed Sani Kofar Mata (Weekly Trust 27/3/2010) who convincingly argued in favour of Alhaji Salihu Sagir Takai, who is currently the Commissioner of Local Government in the Shekarau administration.
Kofar Mata’s arguments are based on Sagir’s achievements as a former Commissioner of Water Resources and later Local Government Affairs. No fair-minded, sincere and honest citizen of Kano State would deny all the achievements attributed to the gentleman. The successful execution of the Tamburawa water project under the competent supervision of Alhaji Sagir was a good example of how the government can get value for money when it appoints the right people into particular areas of public responsibility. As pointed out by Kofar Mata, the completion of Tamburawa water projects has put Kano State on the pedestal of development.
It is also undeniable that Sagir has sustained his track record when he was moved to the Ministry of Local Government Affairs. When a leader has a vision and a focus, the quality of service delivery is always remarkable. The performance of any ministry is as good as the quality of its leadership. Sagir provided good leadership and direction, which has made it possible for the local government councils he supervises to make positive contributions in the improvement of the quality of life of the ordinary people.
One of the outstanding qualities of Sagir is his ability to use limited resources prudently. As an accountant by training, Sagir believes in cost-effectiveness to achieve efficient management of resources. Indeed, the quality of democratic governance does not only depend on the resources available but also on how prudently they are managed. He is not only a politician but also a professional accountant. Armed with this experience and professional background, Sagir is eminently qualified to aspire for the highest political office in Kano State in 2011.
Nigeria needs leaders and not lords who treat the voters as their servants. In democracy, sovereignty belongs to the people. Arrogant leaders are not suited for democratic governance because insensitivity to the yearnings of the people can undermine democracy. The people’s attraction to Sagir is not only is unbeatable performance record but also his amazing humility. He respects people regardless of their social stations; he is accessible and above all, a good listener.
Accountability is an essential component of democratic rule and that cannot be achieved when arrogant leadssers are elected. The spontaneous groundswell of popular good will towards Sagir speaks volumes of his humility. He is not your typical super-rich politician who thinks he can buy the conscience of the people with money. His greatest asset is his integrity, humility, sociability and above all, his incredible performance record under the people-oriented Shekarau administration.
Various interest groups in Kano State are automatically rooting for Sagir because they are all impressed by his track record in public service. When leaders perform so well, they automatically attract tremendous good will from the people. In fact, no rational person argues against a good record. For example, despite the determined efforts of the Republicans to bring him down, former U.S. President Bill Clinton survived his political opponents. And the only secret of his survival was his performance record.
As good performance is the greatest weapon against critics, hardly anyone raises objection to the idea of nominating Sagir as a successor to Governor Shekarau. Everyone is proud to be associated with a good leader with a sound performance record. Although Sagir hardly makes noise about himself and his competent handling of public responsibilities, he himself must have been overwhelmed by the level of tremendous political good will building around him. His popularity breaks political boundaries, which explains why even PDP supporters are enthusiastic about him.
Gwarzo writes from No. 61, Gwarimpa Housing Estate, Abuja.E-mail: [email protected]