By Usman Usman Garba
Impressed by the leadership style of the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in managing and accommodating different ethnic nationalities with love and patriotic posture, the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the governor as “transformative and reformative leader.”
He stated this during his meeting with leaders of ethnic nationalities, at Africa House, Government House, Kano, on the eve of his (Tinubu) 69th Birthday celebration, yesterday, billed to take place in Kano with a Colloquium, that will be graced by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, among other world dignitaries.
Tinubu was physically moved by the many encomiums showered on Governor Ganduje, on how he handles all issues related to all Nigerians residing in Kano, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
He said “His Excellency the Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is indeed a transformative and reformative leader. I am moved by his character, not because of his education and not because of his profiles. Because there are so many politicians without character and there are those with character but they are still worthless.
He is of good character with worth. This character and worth from this gentleman, is just like what we read in history, about men and how they behaved during turbulent times.”
Asiwaju further commended Ganduje’s cabinet, that, “For his Cabinet, from the deputy governor to all other members of his cabinet, we can say Kano State is lucky to be exceptional. We always appreciate Ganduje and his amazing cabinet. This is what we need in all states of our dear country.”
The former Lagos state governor reminded that, he is in Kano to promote mutual coexistence, emphasising that, “Take it to your children that hate is not the answer. But love and hope are our answers. Let’s talk to our sisters and brothers that love and hope are the key words. It is a country of inter-marriages, love and production. Not that of banditry, kidnapping and other evils.”
Tinubu added that, “May God help Ganduje. He is a good patriot. Kano is a microcosm of Nigeria, as Lagos is. There is no ethnic nationality that is not in Kano. It is a mini Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Governor Ganduje revealed that, “It is a norm here in our administration, that, we don’t have non-indigenes in the state. What we have is indigenes with primordial claims somewhere.”
He explaineg further that, “It is Allah Who destined that we must not belong to the same religion or ethnic nationality. It is He Who wants to see us as diverse as we appear. This diversity is an advantage, but many people fail to take it as such.”
On the Colloquium, he appreciated Tinubu for taking the programme to Kano, out of Lagos or Abuja, for the first time, stressing that “the very first time when Colloquium is taking place outside Lagos, outside South, outside River Niger, to North, Kano in particular, very close to desert. This is commendable. This shows patriotism, exemplary and focused leadership.”
The governor added “…who takes every one as one, that leader suppose to be honoured and respected. What more honor can he give us more than this? asked rhetorically.
For the leaders of ethnic nationalities, governor Ganduje commended that, “We appreciate you people. Because you are contributing to the development of the state through your legitimate businesses. We want you, we love you and we appreciate you. You can also remember that whenever there is any problem in any part of this country, we rush there to quench it.
” And when you have any problem you call our attention. We appreciate this also. What we believe in, is that, we must manage the nature of our cosmopolitan city. We give all concern and attention to the security of our dear state.”
The Colloquim would be participated by President Muhammadu Buhari virtually from the Presidency. While Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Bajagbiamila along some governors would come down to Kano for the programme.
