*El-Rufai Govt marked by hardship, division, reckless borrowing, oppressive policies -Hon Ben Kureh

*Governor Uba Sani: A New Dawn for Kaduna State – Hon. Ben Kureh

Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna

One of the founding members of APC in Kaduna state Hon. Ben SD Kureh, on Wednesday made some startling observations confirming that Governor Uba Sani has ushered in a new era for Kaduna State,

He said Governor Sani ushered in a new era for the state, one that’s defined by people-centered governance, economic revival, security, and sustainable development.

Hon. Kureh, in the statement of comparison, noted that “in stark contrast to the previous administration of Nasir El-Rufai (2015–2023), which was marked by hardship, division, reckless borrowing, and oppressive policies, Governor Uba Sani is restoring dignity, fairness, and inclusivity in governance”.

His words: This comparative analysis across six key sectors: Security, Agriculture, Education, Healthcare, Peace-building, and Infrastructure, demonstrates the clear distinction between a leadership that prioritizes the people and one that left behind a legacy of pain, debt, and disunity.

“Security: Restoring Stability and Confidence: Under El-Rufai’s administration, Kaduna became one of Nigeria’s most insecure states, plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes. His divisive rhetoric and the weakening of traditional institutions escalated tensions, leading to violence and displacement.

“Governor Uba Sani, however, has adopted a coordinated security strategy by: Strengthening community policing and increasing funding for the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVS), restoring the role of traditional rulers in security and conflict resolution.

“Engaging with the Federal Government to deploy additional security forces, resulting in a significant decline in kidnappings and communal clashes, with residents enjoying relative peace compared to El-Rufai’s tenure.

“El-Rufai’s policies stifled agriculture, leaving farmers vulnerable to insecurity and without adequate support. Many abandoned their farmlands, leading to food shortages and economic hardship.

“Governor Uba Sani has revitalized the sector by expanding irrigation schemes to support all-season farming, Providing smallholder farmers with access to credit, improved seedlings, and modern equipment and Organizing the Kaduna State Agricultural Investment Summit, attracting international investors”he

“Outcome is Increased food production, job creation, and revitalization of rural economies, rebuilding a system sestroyed by Neglect

“El-Rufai’s tenure in education was a disaster, as he recklessly sacked over 25,000 teachers, hiked Kaduna State University (KASU) tuition fees, and implemented policies that led to mass dropouts and protests.

“Governor Uba Sani has restored hope in education by, reversing the tuition hike at KASU, allowing thousands of students to return.

“Recruiting and training thousands of qualified teachers, Facilitating the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia LGA. Increased school enrollment, improved teacher morale, and a more inclusive education system.

“Healthcare: Expanding Access to Quality Services. While El-Rufai constructed healthcare centers, he failed to provide adequate staffing and funding, leading to a near-collapse of the healthcare system.

*Governor Uba Sani has prioritized healthcare by Expanding the Kaduna Health Insurance Scheme, increasing access for low-income families. Recruiting more healthcare workers and improving hospital funding.

Facilitating the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan. Improved access to quality healthcare and a drastic reduction in maternal and child mortality rates. Peace-building: Healing Kaduna’s Deep Divisions

“El-Rufai’s tenure deepened ethno-religious tensions, with divisive policies and the removal of traditional rulers exacerbating communal conflicts.

“Governor Uba Sani has pursued peace by reinstating traditional rulers unjustly removed by El-Rufai.
Strengthening the Kaduna State Peace Commission for effective conflict mediation. Engaging religious and ethnic leaders in continuous dialogue. A more harmonious Kaduna, where dialogue replaces conflict.

“Infrastructure and Rural Revitalization: A Sustainable Approach. El-Rufai embarked on debt-driven development, leaving Kaduna with an unsustainable debt profile of ₦87 billion and $587 million. Many projects were abandoned, and the state’s finances were crippled.

“Governor Uba Sani has adopted a sustainable development strategy by, Prioritizing the completion of abandoned projects rather than starting new ones without funding. Investing in rural electrification, roads, and schools to spur economic growth. Encouraging renewable energy projects for a sustainable power supply. Smarter spending, better infrastructure, and long-term benefits for residents.

“Debt Profile: Uba Sani vs. El-Rufai:
2015 (Pre-El-Rufai Era): Kaduna’s debt stood at ₦34 billion. 2023 (Post-El-Rufai Era): Debt skyrocketed to ₦87 billion & $587 million, leaving a reckless financial burden on the state.

“Governor Uba Sani’s strategy prioritizes fiscal responsibility, revenue generation, and foreign direct investments (FDI) over reckless borrowing.

“Governor Uba Sani – The Leader Kaduna Needs. Governor Uba Sani is not just repairing Kaduna’s broken systems, he is restoring the state’s lost glory. Unlike El-Rufai, whose tenure left a trail of hardship, division, and financial recklessness, Uba Sani is focused on governance that prioritizes the people.

“While El-Rufai’s legacy is one of tears, sorrow, oppression, and debt, Governor Uba Sani is leading Kaduna into a new era of prosperity, unity, and responsible governance. The time has come to ignore the noise of disgruntled former leaders and support Governor Uba Sani’s transformational agenda for 2027 and beyond”, it stated.

Hon. Kureh was one times a ruling party convener 2014 to 15, served as Interim Chairman Jaba Local Government Area, appointed Executive Secretary State Emergency Management Agency and two terms DG campaign APC 2015 and 2019 respectfully.