Politics

Engr. Hon. Sani Bala: A Portrait of Tireless Service* By Ochonu William

Published

6 months ago

January 28, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Engr. Hon. Sani Bala: A Portrait of Tireless Service

By Ochonu William

In the bustling corridors of Nigeria’s politics and National Assembly, where ambition and dedication intertwine, where the present and future decisions of nations are decided, few figures stand out as bright as Engr. Hon. Sani Bala. A lawmaker who embodies the very essence of public service, an epitome of stewardship, and a great loyal patriotic citizen. Bala is a tireless advocate for his constituents, a loyal party member, and a dedicated legislator.

Hon Sani Umar Bala Tsanyawa born in Tsanyawa Local Government of Kano State, Nigeria, is a learned engineer, a politician, and a member representing Kunchi/Tsanyawa constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. Looking at his humble beginnings, and rise into political status, one would wonder less at the harem of marvelous portfolios in his study. These are achievements earned on sheer hardwork, resilient study, with loyal and honest dealings all through his long political walk.

Engr. Hon Sani Bala’s work ethic is unparalleled. Through regular town hall meetings, grassroots engagements, and a genuine understanding of their needs, he has formed a close bond with the people he represents. He is known for his relentless pursuit of progress and development, both within his constituency and at the national level. His constituents have come to recognize him as a representative who is always available and willing to go the extra mile. Despite the demanding nature of his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service, Engr. Hon Sani Bala remains an active member of every other committee he serves on, demonstrating his commitment to contributing his expertise and efforts to various issues and policy matters.

Eng. Hon Sani is known for his fierce approach to oppression, and his thoughtful and milk approach to resolution. For the people of his Kaduna Federal Constituency, Bala is more than just a representative; his availability and accessibility have made him a familiar face in his constituency, ensuring that he remains attuned to their challenges and aspirations. He is renowned for his door-to-door campaigns, where he personally interacts with his constituents, understanding their needs and concerns firsthand. Whether it’s addressing issues of infrastructure development, education, or healthcare, Bala is a champion for their well-being. This deep connection has allowed him to effectively advocate for their interests and work towards improving their lives.

Bala’s dedication extends far beyond his constituency. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service, he shoulders a heavy responsibility, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery across the Nigerian public sector. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to reform have earned him the respect of his colleagues and stakeholders alike.

In addition to his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service, Engr. Hon Sani Bala actively contributes to other committees he serves on. This multifaceted engagement showcases his broad knowledge base and his willingness to take on additional responsibilities. By actively participating in various committees, he ensures that his expertise and insights are leveraged to address a wide range of issues, contributing to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the legislative process.

Engr. Hon Sani Bala’s loyalty to his party and the leadership of the House of Representatives is unmatched by any of his counterparts. He understands the importance of unity and cohesion within the political landscape. His dedication to the party’s principles and the leadership’s vision is evident in his actions and decision-making. This loyalty not only strengthens the party’s foundation but also fosters a harmonious working environment within the House.

In the often-turbulent world of Nigerian politics, loyalty is a rare commodity. Bala, however, is a steadfast member of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). He believes in the party’s vision for Nigeria and consistently works to uphold its principles. His unwavering support for the party leadership and his commitment to party unity have made him a key figure within the APC.

Bala’s dedication to service extends beyond the confines of politics. He is a passionate philanthropist, actively supporting various charitable causes. From sponsoring educational initiatives to providing healthcare assistance to the underprivileged, Bala makes a real difference in the lives of countless Nigerians, without exclusions, or a show of bigotry. He proven himself further to be a man for everybody, who belongs to no one.

In a political landscape often marred by cynicism and apathy, Engr. Hon. Sani Bala stands as a beacon of hope. He is a workaholic lawmaker who consistently demonstrates his commitment to serving his constituents. He is a living testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service. His immense works remains indelible in the face of time and seasons, leaving a solid foundation for the forthcoming generations to build.

His tireless efforts and commitment to serving his constituents have earned him their trust and admiration. As he continues to make significant contributions to the legislative process, his constituents can rest assured that their interests are well-represented. His story is an inspiration to aspiring politicians and a source of pride for his constituents and fellow Nigerians.

As Nigeria charts its course towards a brighter future, Engr. Hon. Sani Bala is a name that will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of the nation’s political history. He is a humble Parliamentarian with sauce, filled with merited accolades. He is a leader who not only represents his people but also embodies the very essence of what it means to be a true public servant.

Ochonu writes from Abuja.

Politics

15th Hijrah: Muslim Clerics Task Nigerians On Good Morals

Published

8 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

15th Hijrah: Muslim Clerics Task Nigerians On Good Morals

– as Speaker charges religious leaders on impactful messages

Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliations, must begin to embrace good morals and practise honesty, two guest lecturers at the 15th Annual Hijrah Lecture of the Lagos State House of Assembly, have urged.

This is as the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, also charged Nigeria’s religious leaders to teach messages with greater positive impacts on citizens.

Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa Al-miskinubilahi, general overseer of Al-Amani Islamic Organisation, and Sheikh Ridwanullah Jamiu, Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Lekki Phase 1, said moral conducts and honesty would help create a decent society.

Speaking at the event with the theme: ‘The Increasing Wave Of Moral Decadence In The Society’, which held at the Assembly complex on Friday, the guest lecturers condemned the spate of moral decadence in the society.

Dr. Jamiu told guests that there was need to enforce laws against anti-decent practices like homosexuality, gambling, adultery and corruption.

According to him, Allah blesses those who are kind, just and are morally upright.

“People should run away from three things: indecency, aggression and wickedness. For a society to progress and develop, it must move away from what Allah kicks against.

“Justice means giving people their rights. As a boss, you have duties to your employees. Treat others the way you expect to be treated. Allah commands kindness and generosity,” he said while urging parents to be role models to their children.

On his part, Sheikh Onikijipa lamented what he described as a growing level of corruption in the society.

“At this stage of our existence, we all know that almost everyone is corrupt,” he said while urging leaders to be more transparent.

The cleric further stressed that leaders must be determined to end moral decadence in the society, adding: “See the way the government stopped the abuse of naira with necessary legislation. The same should be done for other forms of moral decadence in the society.

“There is no religion if we don’t have morals. If you observe all the five pillars of the Islam and you are morally corrupt, then you are deceiving yourself.

“If you pray regularly and you don’t have morals, then it is a waste of time. Indecent dressing should be condemned in all places,” he said.

While noting that Nigeria is challenged at the moment, Onikijipa appealed to citizens to be patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He urged religious leaders and citizens in the country to dedicate a day for fasting and prayer instead of embarking on a protest, which has a tendency to escalate into destruction of properties.

In his remarks, Speaker Obasa said everyone has roles to play in achieving an upright society.

Obasa, who said that Hijrah is meant to celebrate the clerics, added: “You would be proud of the group you belong to when people feel your impact. We should ensure that we change our immediate environment and make things better in our time.

“We must all join hands to make our society better so that we can all have a morally upright place. It is not enough to make laws, people must exhibit good qualities.”

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Politics

Planned Protest: Tinubu, Sultan, Ooni, NSA, IGP In Emergency Meeting

Published

1 day ago

July 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Planned Protest: Tinubu, Sultan, Ooni, NSA, IGP In Emergency Meeting

The protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states in August.

As the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for August draws close, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday entered an emergency closed-door meeting with top traditional rulers, security top brass in his government and governors of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The high-delegation meeting was held at the State House in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The APC governors were led to the meeting by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.

Some first-class traditional rulers were spotted at the meeting with the President. They include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III; and other traditional leaders across the country.

The meeting was also attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; as well as ministers and other members of the President’s cabinet.

A delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas) later joined the high-powered meeting with the President.

Last-Minute Efforts
Tinubu, former Lagos governor, who was sworn in as President in May 2023, has appealed to displeased youths to shelve the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for next month.

As part of moves to placate aggrieved citizens, the President sent a bill to raise the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 to the National Assembly this week. Both chambers of the legislature speedily passed the bill on Tuesday, awaiting the President’s assent.

On Thursday, the military authorities warned that unscrupulous elements plan to hijack the protest and use it to stage anarchy like what was recently witnessed in East African country Kenya.
The police had also warned against bloody demonstrations come next month just as Uzodimma surmised that the protest could be hijacked and turn violent like the EndSARS nationwide protest against police brutality back in October 2020.

The protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The organisers of the protest have been faceless.

Prices of food and basic commodities have gone through the roof in the last months, as Nigerians battle one of the country’s worst inflation rates and economic crises sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.

Politics

Tinubu mourns Iwuanyanwu

Published

1 day ago

July 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Tinubu mourns Iwuanyanwu

President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on Thursday.

Tinubu’s condolence message is conveyed in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.’

The family confirmed his demise on Thursday evening in a statement that partly read, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, announces the demise of our patriarch, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82.”

He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.

Ngelale said, “President Tinubu condoles with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.

“The President affirms that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.”

Tinubu, therefore, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort for his family