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His political experience

In the 1990s, I had
a brief journey into politics where I contested for the Kabo Local
government chairmanship position under the zero party system, though I
lost that election. I believe that trial strengthened my resolve to
serve the people. In 1999, I re-contested the chairmanship of Kabo. I
failed the second time again.

The state governor,
Ibrahim Shekarau, appointed me the managing director of Muhammadu
Abubakar Rimi market in 2004, and later appointed me as the executive
secretary of Kano State Guidance and Counselling Board.

Decision not to give up after repeated failure

Going by the
training I received while growing up and during the process of building
a career, I believe that the only real failure in life is the failing
to try. So, I keep coming up stronger and I am more determined to
succeed than before. And if you look at life generally, most of the
people who feared ‘failure’ always fail to succeed in their
undertakings; be it in education, politics, or career building. It is
possible to fail in many ways, while to succeed is possible only in one
way.

His choice of ANPP

When the nation
transited to civilian administration in 1999, the then governor of
Kano, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, invited us to come and assist in moving
the state forward. I took that invitation as a call to duty, but the
reception I received from Mr. Kwankwaso was what made me to detest
joining the PDP, even though it was the ruling party then. So, when I
made up my mind to join one of the other parties, I opted for ANPP
because it is a party where party supremacy supersedes individual
interest.

His decision to join the gubernatorial contest

Actually, during
the course of my working in different positions, especially here in
Kano, I have had the opportunity of interacting with people of
different social classes. And in the process, I came to understand
leadership. When I say leadership, I mean that type of a responsible
and responsive leadership. Responsible because it is backed with
purpose; responsive because it bases its responsibility on what the
people want. To have such a government, there is the need to have those
who understand the people, who live with them, dine with them, and
listen to their problems. It is only then that effective and responsive
governance can be achieved.

However, with the
experience I have gathered through my service and a deep understanding
of the various challenges facing our dear state, I decided to offer
myself for higher responsibility by contesting for the seat of
governor. There are other sectors that need more attention, even though
the present government has tried its best to improve these sectors. I
will build on the foundation that has already been laid.

His plan for Kano State

We will establish
purposeful leadership that focuses on the wellbeing of the people. A
strong economy, qualitative education, improved healthcare delivery
system, resuscitation of ailing industries, industrialisation and
infrastructural upgrade.

Remember, Kano is a
Shari’a state; therefore, the people should expect from us good virtues
of Islamic tenets. As I have said earlier, a responsible and responsive
government that will base its activities on a systematic ordering of
affairs and prudent use of resources.

Let me explain
more. Our mode of governance should be based on people’s needs and
wants. And by calculative use of resources, I mean frugality and
prudence in the utilisation of funds. We will diversify our revenue
generation sources so as not to over depend on federal government
statutory allocations.

Also, the private
sector will be well engaged towards building a robust Public Private
Sector Partnership in execution of government programmes. There are
well researched proposals on these issues, all tailored towards
continuity and consolidation of the good works of the present ANPP
government.

I believe when
given the opportunity to implement these policies, Kano will record
significant transformation in the aforementioned sectors.

Issue of raising funds for campaign

Let me draw your
attention back to what happened in 2003 when the good people of Kano
voted for the present governor, Ibrahim Shekarau.

This is a clear
testimony that power ultimately resides with Almighty Allah (SWT) and
he gives it to whom he deems fit. Agreed, money is an important factor
in running the affairs of politics. But believe me, Kano people are
very politically enlightened. I know they will vote for whom they feel
deserves to be voted for, irrespective of whether he has the money to
spray around or not.

Reports that he is fronting for another candidate

I came out to
contest as a candidate whose conviction and resolve is clear: to serve
the good people of Kano. My vision is to see a Kano with more well
educated individuals, excellent health care delivery system, excellent
infrastructure, and a vibrant economy.

Now, tell me how a
man with such hopes for his state could be fronting for someone. These
are all plans to distract the attention and recognition I am getting
from the good people of Kano as we discuss the issues and challenges
facing our dear state.

Let me also tell
you, many more distractions will follow. This is politics. Let me also
clearly state here that I am not fronting for anybody, period.

As I told you
earlier, our party’s interest supersedes individual interest. If the
party adopt consensus, so be it. However, I am very confident that if
we have to choose a consensus candidate, I will be that consensus
candidate because I have tried to be a bridge builder in our party. I
have cordial relationship and mutual respect for all the ANPP aspirants.

I would rather we focus on issue-based politics that will place Kano
at an enviable position as the most economically buoyant state in the
country.