‘Improved security, infrastructure upgrade’ — Uba Sani unveils manifesto

On Sunday, a 37-page manifesto of Uba Sani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kaduna, was unveiled. 

The document, titled ‘The Sustain Manifesto 2023’, is a compendium of Sani’s agenda for the state.

The agenda includes safety and security, upgrade of infrastructure, strengthening institutions, trade and investment, agriculture, investment in human capital and nurturing citizen engagement. 

Sani said if elected, the document will serve as his administration’s contract with the people of the state. 

He added that the document is a product of extensive and intensive consultations. 

Below are highlights of the manifesto.

IMPROVED SECURITY

Kaduna is one of the hotbeds of insecurity in the north-west zone of the country, with attacks happening on a frequent basis in the last two years.

In the document, Uba Sani promised to ensure a secure, peaceful and united Kaduna state. 

He said he will secure the state by investing in technology for security and law enforcement agencies, and launch the Kaduna state security trust fund to further support the security agencies.

Sani promised improved engagement with the federal government to ensure the deployment of security personnel and equipment for adequate provision of security in the state.

UPGRADE OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Sani said he will “consolidate and continue the unprecedented infrastructure upgrade programme of the 2015-2023 APC government, to enhance public welfare and accelerate economic growth”.

The governorship candidate said he will prioritise implementing the long-term Kaduna State Infrastructure Master plan (KADIMP) and the revised Kaduna master plan.

Sani said he will also implement the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as a cost-effective, affordable and sustainable mass transit system. 

He added that he would ensure the expansion of the state’s electricity infrastructure.

STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONS

If elected, the APC governorship candidate said he envisions a public service system with qualified and motivated staff who are efficient in promoting good governance and delivering exceptional public service for citizen welfare and socio-economic growth.

Sani said to sustain the growth and development of a state, it requires the support of dedicated public service, with skilled personnel who are committed to the public good.

He added that his administration will strengthen the public service for greater efficiency across the three arms of government.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

As contained in Sani’s manifesto, his administration plans to build infrastructure, retain economic competitiveness, and position Kaduna as the home of agribusiness, light manufacturing, and technology.

He said if given the chance to govern the state, his administration would sustain the status of Kaduna as a foremost investment destination in Nigeria.

He promised to attract investments across more sectors, create jobs and promote the transfer of technology through vigorous investment promotion.

AGRICULTURE TRANSFORMATION PLAN

Sani said he will ensure food security “by encouraging investment in food production and processing, and manufacturing of agricultural implements”.

The governorship candidate said his administration will ensure a well-developed, productive system of innovative and technologically driven agriculture, able to serve food needs and service the industrial sector.

INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL 

“The Kaduna APC is devoted to building and empowering people for development and prosperity. We believe that people are the resource that creates, develops or transforms all the resources that make civilised existence possible. It is well-educated and healthy persons that have the skills to exercise initiative and the vigour for the hard work that is required to build a strong society and a prosperous economy,” the policy document reads. 

Sani said his administration will consolidate on the work done to build and develop human capital in the state since 2015 by ensuring every child continues to enjoy free primary and secondary education.

He said he will strengthen the standard of care at the upgraded 255 primary health centres in each ward and enhance social welfare programmes and pro-poor interventions.