Aminu Imam
Ahead of the 2024 Democracy Day and 365 days in office of President Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, the Renewed Kaduna Restoration Group (RKRG), a non-partisan association, convened in Kaduna, yesterday, under the leadership of its Chairman, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, (FCILT, FCIS, FNI-UK, ARPA), held a meeting to assess Kaduna State’s elected and appointed officials performance after 365 days in office.
According to a communiqu issued at the end of the meeting, signed by the Group’s chairman, Dr. Ramalan and Secretary, Yahaya Ibrahim Shinko, the RKRG underscored the need for enhanced governance, transparency, and collaboration in order to address the multi-faceted challenges facing Kaduna State.
The Group outlined a strategic plan to engage with the Government, focusing on advocacy for improved representation, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, security, job-creation, and community relations.
The RKRG expressed sympathy for the security challenges plaguing Kaduna State and other regions and urged the Federal Government and Governor Uba Sani to intensify efforts against poverty, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
The Group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Kaduna State natives to key federal positions, including Lieutenant-General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, Abdullahi-Dattijo as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), and Shehu Mohammed Sulikin Zazzau as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC).
The RKRG recommended Kaduna State Government for the re-instatement and empowerment of District and Village Heads to improve intelligence-gathering and security, but also criticised the previous administration for sacking 307 District Heads and called for regular Local Government Council Security Committee meetings.
The group also challenged the constitutionality of the Zaria Metropolitan Authority, Kaduna Capital Territory Authority, (KCTA) and Kafanchan Municipal Authority, urging their abolition due to alleged resource mismanagement.
Additionally, the RKRG called for amendments to various State laws in order to restore the autonomy and functionality of local government councils.
The RKRG also highlighted the need to restructure the Kaduna State Ministry of Information to enhance communication and public relations. It appreciated Governor Uba Sanis 30% reduction in tertiary institution fees and relocation of students from insecure areas, urging further fee reductions and improved institutional funding.
Emphasising integrity and accountability, the RKRG called for a forensic audit of State accounts from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. They also commended the leadership of House Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajjuddeen, and urged inclusivity in his federal leadership role.
The group also congratulated Kaduna State’s elected officials on their first year in office, urging them to prioritise the State’s interests in the on-going Constitutional amendments and reforms.
The meeting closed with calls for resilience, prosperity, and dignity for all Kaduna State stakeholders.
