By Mercy Gadia Adi
Senator Sani Rufai Hanga, representing Kano Central under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says he and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf have refused to defect despite mounting political pressure, insisting that conscience and concern over worsening poverty and insecurity guide their decision.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with members of the National Assembly New Media Forum ( NANMF) at the national assembly complex, the lawmaker said the current hardship in the country makes it morally impossible for him to switch parties merely for personal or political gain.
“People are hungry, there’s no security, no job, many things are wrong in this country, Our conscience will never allow us to just join unconditionally a group where these things are happening”. Hanga said.
The senator, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, disclosed that though some colleagues and political associates had approached him to defect, he and the governor insisted that any alliance must reflect the interests of the people, not self-advancement.
“We are ready to work with any group that carries us along and listens to our input. But not unconditionally, am not after contracts or money; what matters is that policies must improve the lives of Nigerians.”he said.
Hanga, a founding member of the NNPP, said he and Governor Yusuf were committed to the party’s original blueprint, developed under its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, during the last presidential election.
He expressed worry over the recently passed federal tax reform policy, clarifying that not all lawmakers supported it even though it passed by majority vote.
“Don’t say I endorsed it,” he cautioned. “The National Assembly passed it, yes, but not everyone agreed. Even some APC members insisted on key changes before it was passed. In democracy, the majority always has its way.”
The senator warned that the implementation of the new tax regime could worsen the country’s economic crisis and push more Nigerians into poverty.
“The government is rich, but the people are poor,” he lamented. Prices may seem to have come down, but it is artificial. Farmers have no fertilizer, no insecticides, and no security to go to their farms. When the effect catches up, hunger will return worse than before.”He asserted
He commended Governor Abba Yusuf for effectively channeling state resources into development projects, contrasting his administration with others that, he said, fail to account for public funds.
“Our governor is doing the needful. He’s getting more money than before and putting it into development projects. But in many states, the money doesn’t reach the people. That’s the difference,” he said.
On the recent replacement of service chiefs, Hanga said the President acted within his powers and urged the new security heads to justify public confidence by improving the safety of Nigerians.
“He who wears the shoes knows where it pinches, the President has the prerogative to hire and fire. Our duty as legislators is to ensure the money appropriated for the military is judiciously used.”he said.
Hanga reaffirmed that his loyalty remains with his constituents and their welfare rather than political inducements.
“All politics is local, any good politician must work for his people. If your people are not comfortable, you cannot be comfortable. I am not against the government or the President personally, but we must do what is right for our people.”he said.