HEADLINENEWS.NEWS | GOVERNANCE REPORT
June 24, 2025
By Headlinenews.news Political Desk
In a strongly-worded press statement issued on Monday, the Kaduna State Government has categorically denied claims by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai during a widely circulated television interview that all projects commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his recent visit were initiated under El-Rufai’s administration. The rebuttal, signed by Chief Press Secretary Ibraheem Musa, described El-Rufai’s comments as “bare-faced lies” and an attempt at historical revisionism.
The statement comes amid growing tension between the current and former governors over ownership and credit for infrastructural milestones in the state.
The Commissioned Projects: Facts and Origins
During President Tinubu’s official visit to Kaduna, three major projects were unveiled:
1. Three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development
2. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital
3. 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses
According to the Kaduna State Government, the Institutes of Vocational Training were entirely conceptualized and completed by Governor Uba Sani’s administration, with no inherited design or funding from the previous regime. The statement emphasized that:
Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa Institute (Rigachikun)
Col. Dangiwa Umar Institute (Soba)
Sir Patrick Yakowa Institute (Samaru Kataf)
…are cornerstones of Uba Sani’s Human Capital Development Agenda, projected to graduate over 36,000 youths annually with vocational, tech, and trade certifications.
This initiative has earned national commendation. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) described the institutions as “the best-equipped skills centres in Nigeria.” According to NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, no polytechnic or technical university in the country matches the facilities at the three centers.
CNG Buses: A Response to National Fuel Challenges
The deployment of 100 CNG-powered buses—an environmental and economic strategy to cushion the fuel subsidy removal—is another flagship project of Governor Uba Sani. The press statement noted that:
Free transport is being provided for civil servants, retirees, and students for six months.
A heavily subsidized fare scheme follows thereafter.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s social welfare policy and demonstrates proactive leadership amid national economic strain.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital: Completion After Years of Neglect
Perhaps most striking was the defense of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, a 300-bed facility that had languished uncompleted under three administrations. The press statement disclosed that:
The project was originally conceived by Arc. Namadi Sambo during his tenure as governor.
When Governor Uba Sani assumed office, the hospital was at 53% completion, poorly equipped, and abandoned.
Despite claims from El-Rufai, the rehabilitation, completion, and equipping of the hospital were credited squarely to the current administration. Vice President Namadi Sambo, present at the commissioning, reportedly praised Governor Sani for delivering where others failed.
The hospital now serves as a centerpiece of Kaduna’s healthcare revitalization plan, along with renovations of several General Hospitals across the state, part of a broader push to reduce multidimensional poverty and improve health access.
“No Amount of Revisionism Can Rewrite the Truth”
In a firm closing to the statement, Governor Uba Sani’s spokesperson accused El-Rufai of attempting to rewrite history to suit a personal narrative. The press release stated:
“Governor Uba Sani has succeeded where others faltered. No amount of revisionism can rewrite the truth.” It continued: “While he [El-Rufai] is entitled to his opinions, facts remain sacred.”
Forward Focus: Development Over Division
The Kaduna State Government affirmed its continued dedication to transparency, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. The statement called for unity and condemned “toxicity, discrimination, and exclusivity,” while reaffirming the state’s vision to build a prosperous and united Kaduna.
Analysis: More Than a War of Words?
This exchange may signal deepening political divergence between key figures in Kaduna’s recent history. While El-Rufai’s legacy remains influential, Governor Uba Sani appears determined to forge a distinct identity rooted in deliverables and credibility. Political observers warn that this episode could shape the tone of 2027 permutations in northern Nigerian politics.
As governance becomes increasingly data-driven and citizens more discerning, performance—not pedigree—may ultimately determine legacy.
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