Clerics hail Uba Sani as ‘promise keeper’ after fulfilling pledges to bereaved families

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has been described by Islamic and Christian clerics as a “promise keeper” following the fulfilment of commitments made to families affected by recent acts of violence in the state.

The commendation came from the Archbishop of Kaduna Province, Most Rev. Timothy Yahaya, and the Northern Coordinator of the Global Peace Foundation, Sheikh Haliru Maraya.

The clerics praised the governor for providing houses for Mrs Sarah Achi and Malam Usman Aliyu, who lost their spouses in separate incidents.

Ven. Edwin Achi, the husband of Mrs Achi, died after being abducted, while Malama Ummulkhairi Aliyu, an Islamic teacher, was killed by a mob at Maraban Jos in June.

Following the incidents, Governor Sani visited the bereaved families and pledged to provide each of them with a house. He also promised to cater for the education and welfare of Ummulkhairi’s four children.

The governor fulfilled the pledges, with the title documents of the houses presented to Mrs Achi and Malam Aliyu during a brief ceremony at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday.

Speaking at the event, Archbishop Yahaya expressed gratitude to the governor, saying words were inadequate to convey the appreciation and joy of the affected families.

“The lexicon of words looks very inadequate to express our feelings from the depths of our hearts and to express our gratitude,” he said.

He noted that while political leaders often make promises, fulfilling them was a different matter.

“It is one thing for leaders in our clime to make a promise, and it is another thing to keep that promise. But God has so blessed us with a governor that when he says something, he follows through on his promise and keeps his word,” the cleric said.

Archbishop Yahaya thanked the governor for bringing relief to the families and prayed for the success of his administration.

“We are most grateful for putting smiles on the faces of these families. It is our heart’s desire and prayer that, as you put smiles on the faces of these families, the Lord will put smiles on your government in the name of Jesus,” he said.

He also prayed for lasting peace in Kaduna State and expressed hope that similar incidents would not recur.

“We equally pray that there will be lasting peace in Kaduna State and that this type of trouble will never occur again. That is our heart’s desire.

“As a man of peace and unity, may the Lord bless all that you have been doing and make it a lasting legacy of your administration,” he added.

Also speaking, Sheikh Maraya recalled that Ummulkhairi was killed by a mob at Maraban Jos and said Governor Sani demonstrated compassion by visiting and condoling with the family.

He said the governor had earlier pledged financial support, which had been fulfilled.

“You made a pledge of financial support, which you subsequently fulfilled. We were informed that the family has indeed received a donation of N10 million,” he said.

According to the Islamic cleric, the governor also pledged to fund the education of Ummulkhairi’s children and had directed relevant government officials to identify a suitable school in Kaduna State for their enrolment.

“The governor equally pledged to provide a befitting house for Ummulkhairi’s family, and a befitting three-bedroom bungalow has been secured.

“We thank you immensely for always ensuring that your words are in tandem with your actions,” he said.

Sheikh Maraya, who is also a member of the Special Hajj Committee of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, described Governor Sani as a compassionate leader.

“We thank Almighty Allah for giving us a compassionate governor,” he said.

“Since you assumed the mantle of leadership, you have become a fountain of mercy to the good people of Kaduna State. Consequently, Almighty Allah will continue to reward you richly.

“Insha’Allah, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala will elevate you to a position you never expected,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Sani reiterated that his administration had maintained a policy of supporting families of victims of banditry and other forms of insecurity since he assumed office.

He recalled that the Kaduna State Government handed over 50 houses to families affected by banditry attacks last year, adding that the administration was continuing the policy.

“As a government, we will not let down the families of victims of insecurity in Kaduna State. We will always stand by them,” the governor said.

“I am happy that Mrs Achi has recovered. She was in the hospital for many months.

“I am also happy that today we are continuing with this very important policy,” he added.