Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has refuted any claims of discord between himself and former governors of Kaduna State, including his immediate predecessor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today program, Governor Sani emphasised that he maintains a healthy and respectful relationship with all former leaders of the state.
This statement comes amid rumors and speculations of a possible rift between Sani and El-Rufai, under whose administration he served as a senator.
Sani’s remarks were made in response to questions raised during the interview about his relationship with past governors and the ongoing probe into the El-Rufai administration.
He made it clear that any notions of a feud between him and his predecessors are completely unfounded.
“I have a good relationship with all former governors of Kaduna State, including Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” Uba Sani stated categorically during the interview.
The governor went on to explain that he has engaged in consultations with all former leaders since taking office, praising each one for their contributions to the development of Kaduna State.
He noted that governance is about continuity and building on the successes of past administrations.
“Yesterday, I was with former Governor Ramalan Yero,” Governor Sani revealed during the interview. “A few weeks ago, former Vice President Namadi Sambo was in my office.”
He further highlighted his relationship with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, pointing out that during the early days of his administration, he sought advice from El-Rufai, particularly regarding the financial standing of the state.
“In the beginning days of this government, I did many consultations with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, even regarding our financial status as a state,” Uba Sani said.
The governor reiterated that the contributions of past governors should not be disregarded, adding that each one has done their best to move the state forward.
“For me, each and every one of them—Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, Ramalan Yero, and Nasir El-Rufai—has done his best,” Governor Sani acknowledged. “Governance is about continuity, and injecting fresh ideas to build on previous successes.”
This statement underscores Sani’s commitment to preserving the achievements of past administrations while also introducing innovative ideas to improve governance in Kaduna State.
His comments are a direct response to ongoing speculation about possible tensions between him and El-Rufai, who was known for his firm leadership style during his time as governor.
Uba Sani’s clarification of his relationship with El-Rufai is expected to calm the political atmosphere in Kaduna, where rumors of a rift had begun to circulate.
The governor’s assurance that he enjoys good relations with El-Rufai also comes at a time when there is increased scrutiny of the previous administration.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly initiated a probe into certain activities of the El-Rufai-led administration from 2015 to 2023, particularly around financial and governance-related matters.
Sani, however, distanced himself from the investigation, making it clear that his administration has not interfered in the legislative process.
Addressing the matter during the interview, Sani said, “At no point in time did the state government under my leadership interfere with the investigation initiated by the Kaduna Assembly.”
