If feelers are anything to go by, Katsina State is about to witness remarkable transformations with Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda as new governor of the state. With a strong focus on collaboration and engagement with international organisations to redefine and develop the state, the fifth governor of the state is spearheading innovative projects aimed at unlocking its full potential.
His inauguration alongside his deputy Faruq Lawal Jobe on May 29, 2023, by the State Chief Judge, Justice Musa Abubakar Danladi, opened a new chapter of yet another APC administration in the state after his predecessor, Aminu Bello Masari completed two terms eight years.
Mallam Radda defeated his closest opponent, Yakubu Lado Danmarke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in an election that was described as free, credible and best-ever conducted in the history of the state.
However, his victory has shown that the PDP is becoming weaker and now takes pride in its former glory. In fact, the triumph has silenced the opposition party and affected its integrity and image not to even attempt to challenge the process in court.
No doubt, this marked the end of the political struggle for the seat of power in the state.
In his inaugural speech, the governor assured to give his best and work hard to deliver the mandate entrusted to him, adding that he would harness capable hands with the same commitment and sincerity of purpose to build a better future for the people of Katsina.
He also affirmed that his driving force will be selfless service to the people, equity and justice for all. He maintained that he intends to run a people-oriented government and resist anything that will compromise the ability to put the people first.
“I will lead by example and I expect members of my cabinet and all public servants to do the same. I will be accountable and periodically provide updates on the achievements and challenges of my administration. Your expectations must be rooted in the reality of the state.
“Actions will have consequences and I call on all people to discharge their obligations with righteousness. People must develop progressive mindsets and discard old habits that yield indiscipline and criminality. Civility will become the minimum expectation and I urge all households to cultivate the values of Islam.
“My administration will try its best to bring a new approach to governance. It will be inclusive and diverse, focusing on solid policy implementation and delivery. I am committed to following through on the ‘Building Your Future Strategic Policy’ which has been subjected to review by over 200 of our best and brightest in different areas”, he said.
Radda also talked about his policy blueprint which has been developed into a dynamic document and will be constantly revised in line with the strategic priorities and capacity of the state.
He stressed that within the four-year task assigned him to govern the state, he would ensure peace and provide prosperity for the people as well as give prompt attention to security issues by deploying all available resources to end banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.
Mallam Radda reiterated that he would engage communities in the fight against bandits to ensure that security is sustained, confidence is restored to those affected by the fight and be committed to rebuilding their lives. He would also focus on their mental well-being and providing special support to women and children who have endured unimaginable pain emanating from the menace of banditry.
He warned the bandits to abandon their cause and reintegrate into society or face the full wrath of the law. “I urge our youths to shun drug abuse, time-wasting and criminality. We will work with relevant law enforcement agencies to promote social order and overall security in the state,” he stated.
Mallam Radda said he wants to embark on a public sector transformation, bring a new approach for the public sector which should be up-skilled to work more efficiently in line with his strategic policy objectives designed to ensure people are working in capacities that match their competencies with the right tools and remuneration.
He said that he also intends to extend the administrative reforms to local government areas to ensure that the people deliver the mandate to the communities, promising to work on the promotion and placement of staff based on merit and not favours.
He also promised to improve revenue generation, environmental management and infrastructure development of the state. He also planned to introduce a Treasury Single Account (TSA) to consolidate the state’s finances, strengthen accountability and close all loopholes in the financial system.
He said his government will focus and invest in agriculture, education, healthcare and social delivery systems, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) as well as creating agencies for employment.
Interestingly, a few hours after his inauguration, Mallam Radda made a key appointment which was described as one of the best capable to support him in managing the affairs of the state. He first appointed Arch Ahmed Dangiwa as Secretary to the State Government and Jabiru Tsauri as Chief of Staff.
The governor also appointed Maiwada Danmallam as director-general of media, Ibrahim Kaula as Chief Press Secretary, Isah Miqdan as senior special adviser on digital media and Badaru Abubakar Jimkamshi as senior special adviser on print and electronic media.
His recent appointments of people to head agencies and departments have been impressive and commended by analysts for the time taken to assemble the best and fresh hands who were not part of the last administration.
Residents of the state at the moment are applauding the governor for managing the state affairs in a manner that even his detractors and the enemies of the state are inspired to support his government.
They are impressed and convinced by the steps taken so far, coupled with his passion, commitment and desire to render selfless services to change the narrative of the state to a financially independent and economically viable one to compete with other states.
First to come out and publicly applaud the governor’s deals and qualities was the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). The state chairman of the group, Comrade Murtari Andu Ruma, on behalf of the senior workers expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the governor for his bold steps in sanitising the civil service promotion procedure.
The group recognised the efforts of the governor in his recent drive to examine civil servants in the directorate cadre, with a view to promoting a qualified staff to the esteemed position of permanent secretary.
He stressed that the governor has demonstrated his dedication to meritocracy and transparency in the entire process adding that, “This decision ensures that promotions are based on competency and merit rather than any external influences.
“The ASCSN wholeheartedly supports this approach as it promotes a fair and level playing field for all civil servants, fostering healthy competition and encouraging continuous professional development.”
Recall that the governor had earlier sacked all political appointees and introduced examination and other forms of scrutiny to be part of the process to appoint credible and capable hands into the positions.
He set up an audit committee to screen workers in the state to improve their welfare and organise training for qualified staff.
Certainly, the citizens are beginning to feel some respite returning to the state, hoping that the present administration under Governor Dikko Radda will transform the fortunes of the state to better their living standards.
