INAUGURAL SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE, DR. ABDULLAHI

UMAR GANDUJE

I feel highly delighted to be part of this momentous occasion which marks a

significant turning point in our political journey considering the pre-dominance

and sweeping victory of our great party the APC, not only in Kano State but the

country at large. For all intents and purposes, I consider our triumph in these

elections, as a vote of confidence on our team, in recognition of the gigantic projects

executed by the outgoing administration of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Accordingly, I owe it an obligation to first and foremost, express my profound

gratitude to Allah (S.W.T) for our monumental victory in all the 2015 elections. I

want to pay special tribute to our former Governor, Senator, Engr. Rabiu Musa

Kwankwaso for his support and contribution to our success and for his selfless

service to Kano State. I pledge to continue with the good works we started since the

first tenure of our Administration. There is no gain saying the fact that the APC as

a Party, and we as contestants in particular, gained tremendously from this

colossal giant whose monumental strides virtually obliterated the political relevance

of other parties in the State. I, on behalf of all other elected office holders therefore,

assure you that we will continue to be good ambassadors of the Kwankwasiyya

movement in the service of our dear State and the Country at large.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the most popular slogan used by our

party the APC during electioneering campaign across the Country is “Change”. The

motivating factor behind the clamor for change at the national stage was informed

by the need to find urgent solutions to numerous challenges facing the survival of

our country due to laxity, insecurity and massive mismanagement of our resources.

Consequently, while the wind of change starts blowing across the Nation with the

ushering of APC at the Centre, it is significant to observe that by virtue of the

adoption of the Kwankwasiyya ideology in the running of our affairs, Kano State

has in effect made Change as its guiding philosophy since May, 2011.

It is therefore a source of pride to observe that the cherished ideals which have

been guiding our stewardship all these years are today being adopted as models for

addressing the numerous challenges bedeviling our country today. In this regard, I

am optimistic that with the synergy and common platform between the Federal

Government and our Administration, we will be better poised to get the much

needed support and cooperation in our quest to ensure all-round growth and

development of our State.

As you all know, our journey towards the transformation of Kano State did not

start today. We have jointly served the State under the able leadership of our

indefatigable leader, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during the first tenure form

1999 – 2003 and then from 2011 – 2015 under the second tenure.

The strategy under which we approached governance was predicated on the

principles of openness, transparency, prudence and accountability. Accordingly, we

blocked all avenues for leakages and wastage of public funds through strict fiscal

discipline and a robust financial management in all public institutions of the State.

This measure had generated savings which contributed tremendously in achieving

the set targets during the period under review. In the course of these two tenures

therefore, we as a team initiated and executed various policies and programmes

that have impacted positively on various facets of lives of our people.

Our modest achievements in Education include the establishment of two

universities, that is, University of Science and Technology, Wudil and that of North

West University, whose work on the permanent site is on-going. The attractive

primary school feeding is re-introduced, while over-crowded classrooms were

decongested by the massive construction of classrooms all over the State. About

five thousands students were sponsored to study at various Universities both

within and outside the country.

In another development, gigantic infrastructural development projects were

executed in various locations within the metropolis. They include Kofar Nasarawa

flyover, Ibrahim Taiwo Road flyover, the on-going Murtala Muhammad Way flyover,

Kabuga under-pass and Gadon Kaya under pass and also the on-going Jakara

Wuju – Wuju road project. Other infrastructural development projects executed

include construction and rehabilitation of various roads within and outside the

municipality as well as provision of streetlights. Also the construction of 5km roads

in all the 44 Local Government Areas has been embarked and is on-going.

Similarly, in another effort to provide more housing estate to our teeming populace,

the Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo cities which contain various categories

of housing units were constructed. In the same vein, over 1000 GP Houses were

sold to civil servants and other interested members of the public at affordable

prices.

Against the backdrop of the prevailing inadequate power supply which negatively

affects economic and commercial activities in the State, the Independent Power

Project which has the capacity for generation of 35 Megawatts was embarked upon.

When eventually completed, it is expected to provide electricity to Tamburawa and

Challawa Water Works, street lights while a sizeable portion will be sold to

interested industrial companies.

From the foregoing, it could be noted that successes recorded under two tenures

have no doubt made a lot of difference on the lives of the people of this State.

Accordingly, we regard our elections as another mandate, to enable us continue

with the good works started right from the first tenure of the outgoing

Administration. Consequently, the task before us will involve the consolidation of

what has been put in place as well as the continuation of on-going development

programmes while new projects will also be introduced. In a nutshell therefore, the

fundamental direction of this Administration will be predicated on Continuation,

Consolidation, Fine Tuning and the introduction of more people oriented policies

and programmes.

NEW PROJECTS/PROGRAMMES

The new projects we shall embark upon are as follows:-

Free and Compulsory Primary Education

Education plays tremendous role in transformation and development of societies.

In the words of Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you

can use to change the World”. However, it is universally accepted that the

foundation of qualitative education starts from the basic or primary level. This

Administration intends to take necessary measures in collaboration with relevant

stakeholders, with a view to ensuring that all children are enrolled in primary

schools nearest to them as soon as they attain school age. Consequently, Primary

Education in Kano State will be free and compulsory henceforth. Accordingly,

relevant policies and legislations will be enacted to ensure the enforcement of this

policy.

Re-Invigoration of Civil Service

An efficient, effective and result – oriented civil Service is a necessary ingredient for

effective implementation of government policies and programmes. To fast – track

the process of re-invigoration the State civil Service apparatus, the procedure and

standards provided by the SERVICOM charter will henceforth be fully applied in

operations of all the MDAs with a view to promoting probity and accountability as

well as effective service delivery across the State. An ultra-modern training centre

for Civil Servants will be provided. In order to reduce the cost of governance our

administration will examine the possibility of reducing the number of Ministries in

the State. However, we will ensure that nobody will lose his or her employment in

the course of the re-organization.

Anti-Corruption

The principle of honesty, transparency, probity and accountability remains crucial

to providing good governance. It is a known fact the canter-worm of corruption has

done incalculable damage on our collective ability to do what is expected of us as

custodians and managers of the resources entrusted to us. To arrest this

unhealthy development therefore, this Administration will have zero tolerance on

Corruption. To facilitate this, anti-corruption agency will be re-invigorated for the

agencies to discharge their duties more effectively, while those who engage in

corruption practices will be punished accordingly.

Due Process Bureau

Due process is one of the most essential ingredients for effective, purposeful and

responsible governance in accordance with international best practices. Because of

its linkage with probity and accountability, it is used as yardstick for measuring

performance both in the public and private sectors worldwide. Consequently, a Due

Process Bureau will be established, with a view to instituting due diligence and

reform culture in the operation of Government.

Kano Master – Plan

Kano is a fast expanding and bustling commercial city that has its own fair share of

modern – day urban challenges like traffic congestion, inaccessibility, shanty

settlements and erosion. In order to give impetus for proper planning and

implementation of mega structures and infrastructures, the Kano Master Plan

which has not been subjected to any re-appraisal for a very long time, will be

subjected to a wholesale review in order to ease flow of traffic, accessibility to as

many of areas as possible. Government will also initiate through the

instrumentality of PPP, the introduction of light rail transport system under clearly

defined transport policy.

Housing

In order to provide shelter to our teeming population, Government will pursue a

housing policy that will provide affordable housing to the low-income groups of the

State. The APC administration, in adherence to the United Nations convention on

habitat, will promote housing development through public – private sector

participation in mass housing schemes for the poor. We will also facilitate a home –

ownership scheme for civil servants.

Regional Water Schemes

With massive settlement expansion and population explosion, there is the

increasing need to expand the capacities of our water supply schemes. Accordingly,

the existing Regional Water Supply Schemes will be expanded in order to cope with

the increasing demand of portable drinking water in the rural areas.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the mainstay of our economy and over 70% of our population

depends on farming as a source of food, income and labour. Basically, Kano is

therefore an agrarian economy. As part of the efforts to boost production, wealth

creation and employment, this administration will create the enabling environment

for public and private partnership in the promotion of Fish farming and Poultry. To

facilitate this, Government will provide infrastructural facilities for the

establishment of Model Parks with the capacity to accommodate 50 – 100

farmers/entrepreneurs. The parks will provide shades for Feed production,

Medication, Cold Room, Restaurant and whole sale marketing facility with total

value chain for comprehensive business activities.

Similarly, considering the importance of fertilizer as the main inputs for boosting

agricultural production, this Administration will resuscitate KASCO through

public-private partnership to enable it engage in production of commercial fertilizer

in such a way that, it will utilize the proceeds of the sales of commercial fertilizer to

fund the distribution of the commodity to small, medium and large–scale farmers

at subsidized rates.

Also, in the desire to expand dry season farming as well as discourage rural –

urban migration, we will produce a blue print to provide the basis for laying a solid

foundation of boosting small irrigation farming schemes along the dotted lines of

our rivers and streams across the State for the benefit of the rural areas. Through

public – private partnership our medium and small dams will be utilized for full

commercial irrigation and electricity generation.

The Fulani Herdsmen

Ladies and Gentlemen, my speech cannot be complete without mentioning some

issues on BANDIRAWO. The State Government is aware of the disturbing issue of

the cattle rustling and the encroachment of grazing areas due to the high increase

of our population. Our government will collaborate with the Federal Government to

come up with a lasting solution to the problems of nomads all over the country.

The ultimate solution to the problems of Fulani Herdsmen is to fashion out a

resettlement scheme that will take into consideration their educational, socio-

economic and security well-being of the Nomads.

We shall enhance the quality of cattle rearing by planting fodder to enrich the

grazing areas that will be designated and well protected. In order to modernize the

entire system of cattle rearing our Government will embark on the development of

artificial insemination centres to ensure high quality meat and milk production. In

this respect I solicit for the full cooperation of Fulani herdsmen.

Local Government Administration

The Local Government is an indispensable third tier of Government that operates

solely at the grassroots level. Local Government is therefore closer to the people

and in this respect, therefore, I would strive hard to harmonize, stabilize and re-

invigorate this important tier of government to ensure that the dividends of

democracy are consolidated at the grassroots level.

Health Services

The APC Administration will focus on preventive approach to health care delivery

system. This approach is mainly to reduce the prevalence of common killer

diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Polio, Malaria and dysentery to mention

a few. The programme of Routine Immunization will be given top priority to protect

our children from preventable disease. At this juncture I have to appreciate and

acknowledge the contributions of Bill and Melinda Gates and Dangote Foundations

in this respect. After adequate consultations with stakeholders, we will examine the

policy of State Health Insurance Scheme. The target groups will involve public,

private and communities. The service of Environmental Health Workers (Duba Gari)

will be invigorated to be more functional at all times. They will be empowered to

return to physical inspection of houses, markets; abattoirs etc. and enforce the

relevant laws. A legislation banning tobacco smoking in public places will be

forwarded to Honourable Kano State House of Assembly for appropriate legislation.

Completion of On-Going Projects

This administration will complete on-going projects initiated by the out-going

administration such as – The Hydropower Projects, Jakara Wuju-Wuju Road, and

the Murtala Muhammad Way flyover. A master plan for urban beautification will be

produced to give Kano the real features of mega city. The project will be supported

by serious environmental sanitation policies.

Security

Every Nigerian is a living witness to the failure of the out-going Administration at

the Federal level to provide security to Nigerians. The clarion call for change across

the width and breadth of Nigeria at Federal level was largely anchored on the need

for the provision of adequate security of lives and properties. The ardent hope that

comes along with the change of leadership at the Federal level is the responsibility

to secure Nigeria and make it more fortified against insurgency and external

aggression.

The APC administration in Kano State will establish a Security Trust Fund that will

ensure the participation of the private sector for a robust policing of the State. The

Trust Fund will provide modern security gargets to be located in black spot areas of

metropolitan Kano. The security agencies will be mobilized and coordinated for a

Rapid Response Programme within Kano metropolis. Our communities and

traditional rulers will be involved in the overall security programme.

War Against Drug Abuse

One of the major areas our administration had made positive impact is the

relentless pursuit to fight the menace of drug abuse particularly among the youth.

It is a well known fact that a cartel of drug barons who have been flooding our

markets with fake, illicit and expired drugs and suffocating the health of the

section of our youth were smashed and dislodged.

In this vein, Government had surmounted a lot of courage and expended resources

to ensure that the scourge of drug abuse and other traits incidental to it were

fought to its knees. Under this scourge, hundreds of millions of Naira worth of fake

and illicit drugs were burnt over a period of time. As the cartel members are being

forced to abandon the trade, others had unfortunately resettled elsewhere. Thus, in

order to eradicate the menace of drug abuse in our State, efforts are going to be

intensified to consolidate the gains recorded in that direction. The APC

administration will dialogue with genuine drug dealers for a more effective

programme to succeed in the War Against Drug Abuse.

Internally Generated Revenue (Igr)

Ladies and Gentlemen, as our nation and all the federating units are being faced

with dwindling financial resources on account of the falling prices of oil globally,

the ability of Federal, State and Local Governments to shoulder enormous

responsibilities is greatly hampered. While assuring that this Administration is

determined to keep the phase of development and the standards we have so far

established, I wish to appeal to the good people of Kano State to show

understanding about the current financial constraints and to cooperate with the

Government in the Internal Revenue Generation derive to achieve the onerous task

and responsibilities of Governance at all levels. In this respect the Kano State

Board of Internal Revenue will be re-structured along the line of best practices to

ensure that only honest, knowledgeable, committed and responsible personnel to

form the new outfit for maximum collection and remittance of our revenues.

CONCLUSION

In concluding this address, I will like to re-iterate our commitment to total

transformation of our dear state through the consolidation, continuation and

introduction of more people – oriented projects, policies and programmes. In

carrying out this mandate, we shall run a Government that will be open and

receptive to ideas and other inputs aimed at moving our State forward.

I wish to once again express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to my party

members the APC and the outgoing Governor, Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa

Kwankwaso for his selfless service to the State and superintending its affairs for

greater accomplishments within the last four years. I am also to extend additional

appreciation for the affection he extends to me during our long years of political

partnership. No doubt, during those challenging years, he has personally exhibited

and practically demonstrated in a very clear terms his brotherly disposition to me.

This I will continue to cherish forever. I therefore, wish him God’s guidance in his

capacity as Senator under the new dispensation.

I also wish to extend similar appreciation to all important dignitaries that graced

this occasion particularly our revered Emir, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II for

his fatherly presence.

I wish to thank the entire people of Kano State for their overwhelming support to

APC candidates in the State. I thank the State Chairman of our party as well as the

Party Chairmen of all the 44 Local Governments in the State, our campaign

organization, Local Government Council Chairmen, Women, Youth, Members of the

Academia. My appreciation also goes to the Ulama, Civil Servants, Members of the

Press, Security Agents, NGOs, Business Community and our Community leaders

for their support and understanding which led to our resounding victory in the

elections. I also wish to appreciate the presence of diplomats and all other invited

guests from within and outside the country for find time to grace this occasion. I

wish to re-stress to the entire citizens of this State that we shall do our utmost best

to justify the confidence reposed on us.

May the Almighty Allah in His Infinite wisdom guide us in the discharge of this

onerous responsibility, ameen.

Thank you and God Bless.