The Kaduna State Government has vehemently refuted claims made by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that all projects commissioned by President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to the state were initiated during El-Rufai’s administration. El-Rufai’s assertions, made during a televised interview, were labeled as “bare-faced lies” and an attempt to distort the factual record by the current administration. The state government, under Governor Uba Sani, issued a detailed rebuttal outlining the true origins and progress of the commissioned projects, emphasizing that they were either initiated or completed under Governor Sani’s leadership. The projects in question include three key initiatives: the Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, and the introduction of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses into the state’s transportation system.
The Kaduna State Government clarified that the Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, which include the Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa Institute, the Col. Dangiwa Umar Institute, and the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Institute, were entirely conceived and completed under Governor Sani’s administration. These institutes are central to Governor Sani’s focus on human capital development, aiming to provide 36,000 youths annually with practical skills through state-of-the-art facilities. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has recognized these institutes as the best-equipped skills development centers in Nigeria, further validating Governor Sani’s commitment to providing quality vocational training.
Regarding the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, the Kaduna State Government acknowledged that the project was initially conceived during the tenure of former Governor Namadi Sambo. However, it emphasized that the project remained incomplete and stagnated through subsequent administrations, including El-Rufai’s, until Governor Sani assumed office. Upon taking office, Governor Sani found the hospital at only 53% completion, lacking essential medical equipment and representing a significant example of mismanagement. Governor Sani prioritized the hospital’s completion, equipping it with modern medical technology and integrating it into his broader agenda of revitalizing the state’s healthcare system.
The introduction of 100 CNG buses, another initiative spearheaded by Governor Sani, was designed to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the citizens of Kaduna State. These environmentally friendly buses provide free transportation for workers, retirees, and students for the first six months, with subsidized fares for the general public thereafter. This initiative demonstrates Governor Sani’s commitment to both social welfare and environmental sustainability, addressing the immediate needs of the populace while promoting long-term ecological responsibility.
The Kaduna State Government underscored the stark contrast between El-Rufai’s claims and the demonstrable achievements of Governor Sani’s administration. The vocational training institutes, equipped with cutting-edge technology and poised to empower thousands of young people, represent a significant investment in human capital. The completion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, transformed from a stalled project into a state-of-the-art medical facility, showcases Governor Sani’s commitment to improving healthcare access. Finally, the introduction of CNG buses provides both economic relief and environmental benefits, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to governance.
The Kaduna State Government concluded its statement by expressing regret over El-Rufai’s alleged distortion of facts, while emphasizing that Governor Sani has successfully delivered on projects where previous administrations faltered. The statement asserted that while El-Rufai is entitled to his opinions, the facts surrounding the projects remain irrefutable. The current administration maintains that no amount of revisionist history can alter the demonstrable progress made under Governor Sani’s leadership, which includes the initiation and completion of key projects designed to benefit the people of Kaduna State. The government’s response serves as a firm rebuttal, aiming to set the record straight and highlight the tangible achievements made during Governor Sani’s tenure.
