“Recycled corruption claims against Uba Sani politically motivated” – Jibril

By Haruna Salami

A strong defence of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has emerged following the circulation of a 2006 report alleging corruption, with the governor’s supporters describing the claims as a politically motivated smear campaign designed to undermine his credibility and derail ongoing accountability efforts in the state.
In a rejoinder issued on Tuesday, Baba Jibril, a staunch supporter of Governor Sani argued that the allegations against the governor were never substantiated by any court or credible anti-corruption agency, insisting that resurrecting the nearly two-decade-old petition amounts to an attempt to rewrite history and distract public attention from the governor’s achievements.
According to him, Uba Sani earned his reputation through years of sacrifice during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the Campaign for Democracy, where he endured arrests, harassment and detention while fighting for the restoration of democratic rule alongside notable activists.
Jibril maintained that portraying the governor as a compromised figure ignores his longstanding record of public service and commitment to democratic ideals.
He also highlighted Sani’s legislative record in the 9th Senate, noting that he sponsored 32 bills, including the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFIA) Act 2022, which modernised Nigeria’s financial sector. He added that the former senator was recognised as the “Most Valuable Parliamentarian” and “Overall Best Parliamentarian” of the 9th National Assembly.
The rejoinder further listed the achievements of the Kaduna State Government since Sani assumed office on May 29, 2023, including improvements in security through the Kaduna Peace Model, which it said had led to the reopening of markets, the return of displaced communities and the restoration of commercial activities.
It also cited the upgrade of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres to Level 2 status, the establishment of a 300-bed Specialist Hospital and the Kaduna State Centre for Disease Control, as well as a 40 per cent reduction in tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and the re-enrolment of more than 300,000 out-of-school children.
The statement added that the administration’s financial inclusion initiative had enabled more than 2.5 million poor and vulnerable residents to open bank accounts, while Kaduna State had received 23 awards in three years, including recognition for peace, security, inclusive growth and transparency in governance.
Addressing the revived corruption allegations, Jibril argued that if the 2006 petition had any legal merit, it would have resulted in prosecution or sanctions long before now. Instead, he said, Sani had continued to advance in public service, serving as Special Assistant, Senator and now Governor.
He described the petition as a product of the political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that it was being revived by political opponents seeking to discredit the governor.
Jibril further alleged that the renewed attacks were linked to ongoing investigations into the financial affairs of the immediate past Kaduna State administration, claiming that those behind the allegations were attempting to frustrate efforts to ensure accountability.
He maintained that Governor Sani remained committed to pursuing transparency and due process without intimidation.
The statement urged Nigerians to assess the governor based on his record in office rather than what it described as recycled and unsubstantiated allegations, insisting that his administration’s achievements and reforms speak louder than political attacks.