Deep Thought with Othman
My piece with the above caption generated multiple comments; several commendations with few condemnations. This is normal considering the personality of El-Rufa’i who executes his agenda with passion.
After the 2015 election, when El-Rufa’i assumed duty as the democratically elected Governor of Kaduna State, he did something differently, instead of starting new infrastructural projects; he completed the projects he inherited. Before completion, as a professional QS, he reviewed the projects with excellent outcomes; lower cost, and higher quality for the same job, and contracted to the same contractors of his predecessor to execute.
READ ALSO: Kaduna State, El-Rufa’i and his political shrewdness, by Prof MK Othman
The State unprecedentedly benefited from this benevolent leadership style. There are areas, El-Rufa’i might have erred; his delay in the appointment of Emir of Zazzau caused anxiety and tension. The delay was unnecessary for the traditional institution that is almost ready for archives nationwide, if not globally.
His policy of market transformation from traditional to modern markets in Kaduna and Zaria towns seems to be favouring the big traders with capital. Small traders are finding it difficult to source funds to purchase the new shops in the markets ranging from N500,000 to over a million Naira. Small and medium traders are finding it difficult to stay afloat. Many are not happy. Nevertheless, Kaduna State has never witnessed this kind of physical transformation since the demise of the Northern Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello of blessed memory.
Today, I am sharing samples of the edited reactions with readers of this Column for a clearer picture of El-Rufa’i’s shortcomings and legacies. Happy reading.
Ali Muazu from Kano wrote: This is a beautiful assessment of our great and courageous governor, El-Rufa’i. The retrogressive and opposition will cry foul and say, “what a piece of accredited mendacity”.
Prof Sa’adu Umar BirninYauri: We need the kinds of Elrufa’i as our leaders. He is bold and courageous. May Allah guide him. Thank you so much, Prof.
Ayeni Dehinde: All hail to you Prof Othman of Agric Extension, who has been able to politically capture the prowess of this small in size man, but with big memory capacity as computer analysts will call such. I also have my respect for him since his days at BPE, and as a minister in FCT, and his performance in these places never one day makes me doubt his pragmatism in solving societal problems. Prof. your observations have confirmed many others like me who believe so well in the dexterity of Mallam El-Rufia, the Executive Governor of Kaduna state, although he might have his undoing as a human being. I also hope to capture some of his achievements in Agriculture very soon. Nice piece.
Magajin Rafi Tambuwal Danzabo: Governor El-Rufa’i deserved commendation in all aspects of governance. Sir, I sincerely salute you for identifying and commending the commendable ones without fear or favour. You are rare and exceptional. May Allah bless you to continue to say the truth.
Prof Joseph Adama, Umudike: Late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe gave Balarabe Musa an award for the Hero of the Second Republic. Musa was impeached by the NPN-controlled Kaduna State House of Assembly with Iro Dan Musa as the Speaker. The party then rewarded Iro Dan Musa by giving him the ticket to contest for the senatorial seat in 1983. He “won” the election. Then, came the 1983 coup that removed all democratic structures of the second republic. Our politicians hardly learn their lessons.
Aminu Dantani, Zaria: Well articulated piece, with regards to retrenched staff last week, he was asked on a radio program and he said the state government has finished her side, but he will check the companies holding the retirement benefits of the retrenched staff, if they are found wanting, Government will take them to court as there is no reason to delay the payment. Once more, congratulations.
Nalado, Kano: Salam Prof. Hope the weekend is fine. I read through your Blueprint article on Kaduna state, El-Rufai, and his political shrewdness. Having a stake in the affairs related to the governance of El-Rufa’i, I feel that I have an obligation to put some records straight, as follows:
- There is no ” Shia movement”. On a similar note there is no “Shia Islamic movement. Neither is there “IMN”. The above coinages are mostly done by misunderstandings, copy and paste syndrome or in few cases by mischief. For example MOSSAD and their errand boys DSS have tried to assert “IMN” to portray the movement as an “organization”. Then they could “ban” it. What is obtained is the ” Islamic movement”. The Islamic movement is a global concept. Thus, it is being practised here in Nigeria.
- What was done in 2015 in Zaria was not only quashing the Islamic movement but also killing several armless, defenceless men, women, and children. This cannot be swept under the carpet despite the commendable transformation of “physical infrastructure” in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan.
- Lest we forget, egocentric boldness and courage only lead to arrogance. The pharaoh of Egypt, contemporary of Prophet Moses, AS, was bold, courageous, and wonderfully transformed his land especially the agrarian economy of the Nile. Besides, he gave milk of human kindness to his subjects, but with discrimination. However, his egocentric boldness and courage led him so arrogant to declare lordship. Allah destroyed him. So, Prof Sir, you may wish to suggest to El-Rufa’i to be humble by halting his egocentric boldness and courage in governance so that posterity will be kind to him. The need to increase his milk of human kindness in addressing issues concerning people cannot be overemphasized.
Thank you Prof. Please, accept my highest regards, now, and always.
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