Your Excellency,
One of the most important political constituencies in every democracy is the working class. Throughout history, workers have shaped elections, influenced public policy, and determined the success or failure of governments.
Their votes, together with those of their families, friends, and communities, often form one of the largest and most influential voting blocs.
In many democratic societies, labour movements and workers’ organizations have played significant roles in political change.
Whether in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, or many other countries, governments that earned the trust of workers often benefited from their electoral support.
While political systems differ from country to country, one lesson remains consistent: workers reward leaders who protect their welfare and dignity.
Nigeria is no exception.
History provides valuable lessons. During the administration of President Shehu Shagari, the minimum wage was increased to N100.
In Kano State, the administration of the late Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi further added N5, bringing it to N105.
His government also introduced low-cost housing schemes that benefited many workers. These policies strengthened his relationship with civil servants and demonstrated that investing in workers is also an investment in political goodwill.
Even during the military era under General Muhammadu Buhari, programs that made essential commodities available to workers at subsidized prices reflected an understanding that the welfare of workers contributes to social stability and public confidence.
Closer to home, the administration of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau demonstrated another important lesson.
One of the policies widely remembered by many retirees was the prompt payment of gratuities, with many retired civil servants receiving their entitlements within a short period after retirement.
That commitment helped build trust and contributed to the positive perception of his administration.
Your Excellency, your administration has already made commendable progress by paying approximately N29 billion of the gratuity and pension liabilities inherited from previous administrations. This is a significant achievement that deserves recognition.
However, there is an even greater opportunity before you.
If your administration continues this effort until the backlog of retirees’ gratuities is substantially reduced, or even completely cleared, you will do more than fulfil a financial obligation.
You will restore hope and dignity to thousands of retired public servants who devoted the best years of their lives to serving Kano State.
Every retiree represents more than one vote. Behind each retired worker is a family of children, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours, colleagues, and friends.
Serving workers also observe how government treats those who have completed their service. When retirees are respected and rewarded, serving workers gain confidence that their own future is secure.
The political impact of such a policy cannot be underestimated.
A government that becomes known for paying retirees promptly and treating workers with dignity earns not only votes but also trust, loyalty, and goodwill. Such a reputation cannot be bought during an election campaign; it is earned through consistent action.
If your administration succeeds in resolving the long-standing gratuity challenge, history will remember you as one of the greatest friends of workers in Kano State.
Future generations of civil servants will remember your government as one that honoured those who dedicated their lives to public service.
As President Franklin D. Roosevelt is remembered in American history for championing policies that strengthened the position of workers during difficult economic times, Your Excellency has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy as a governor who restored dignity to Kano’s workers and retirees.
The workers’ vote is not merely a political asset; it is a vote of gratitude, respect, and confidence. By prioritizing the welfare of workers and retirees, you will not only strengthen your prospects in the 2027 election but also secure a place in the history of Kano as a leader who understood that the strength of government lies in the well-being of those who serve it.
May Allah continue to guide your administration in making decisions that bring justice, prosperity, and lasting development to Kano State.
Yours faithfully,
Sani Kabir Tsakuwa
A Concerned Citizen
