IN SUPPORT OF JODA JAM: EQUALITY BEFORE GOD, DIFFERENCE IN LEADERSHIP STYLE

IN SUPPORT OF JODA JAM: EQUALITY BEFORE GOD, DIFFERENCE IN LEADERSHIP STYLE

By Victor Mathew Bobai
A Public Affairs Analyst

My Take on the Joda Jam vs. Luka Binniyat Debate

I have read both Luka Binniyat’s piece and Joda Jam’s rejoinder titled “Southern Kaduna Belongs to Both Muslims and Christians.” I must say, Joda Jam has spoken the mind of many silent, peace-loving people of Southern Kaduna.

I stand with Joda Jam and I completely refuse Luka Binniyat’s narrative.

Luka’s article, for all its grammar, promotes the dangerous idea that a Southern Kaduna Muslim is not Southern Kaduna enough to represent us. That is not advocacy, that is religious exclusion.

1. God Created Us Equally, But Leadership Gifts Differ

The Bible is very clear that God does not discriminate by religion, tribe or background when He creates.
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27
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“God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” – Acts 10:34-35
Every tribe in Southern Kaduna – Bajju, Atyap, Ham, Numana, Ninzo, Hausa, Fulani, and all others – has both Muslims and Christians because God in His wisdom planted us together. No one has a superior claim to the land.

But equality before God does not mean sameness in leadership style. The Bible shows us this:

David was a warrior king, Solomon was a wise administrator, Nehemiah was a builder, and Joseph was an economic strategist. Same God, different assignments and styles.

El-Rufai’s style was bold, confrontational and strategic. He chose Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, a proud Numana daughter of Southern Kaduna, not because she was Hausa or Fulani – she is NOT – but because his leadership style was to make a strong political statement: that even the minority Muslims of Southern Kaduna can be included. Whether you liked El-Rufai or not, you cannot erase that milestone.

To call a former Governor a “demon midget” because he gave that inclusion to a Southern Kaduna Muslim daughter is not just an insult to him, it is an insult to thousands of Southern Kaduna Muslims whose joy that day was real.

2. Uba Sani Has Now Corrected the Balance – This is Statesmanship

This is where I want to praise Governor Uba Sani and show why Luka’s logic fails.

If El-Rufai’s choice of a Southern Kaduna Muslim was “Islamization,” then what will Luka call Uba Sani’s choice of Comrade.Jerry Adams, a Christian from Southern Kaduna?

Governor Uba Sani has done what a true leader should do. He has shown that power rotation in Kaduna is not about religion, it is about balance.

The Bible says:
“Righteousness exalts a nation…” – Proverbs 14:34
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Uba Sani has demonstrated that:

When Southern Kaduna produced a Muslim Deputy Governor under El-Rufai, it was inclusion.
Now that Southern Kaduna produces a Christian Running Mate figure under Uba Sani, it is ALSO inclusion and continuity.

This is not favour. This is commitment to balance of power more than just fairness. It proves that Southern Kaduna is not a monolith of one faith. We are a diverse, beautiful people.

If we accepted Hadiza, we must celebrate Jerry Adams. If we celebrate Jerry Adams today, we should have respected Hadiza yesterday. Principles must not change because of who is involved.

My Conclusion

Luka Binniyat is a respected voice, but this time he missed it. You cannot preach justice while practicing selective justice.

Let us agree on this Biblical truth from Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Justice means a Muslim from Kachia is as Southern Kaduna as a Christian from Zangon Kataf. Justice means competence should lead, not religious profiling.

I thank Joda Jam for that courageous piece. Southern Kaduna belongs to both Muslims and Christians. Governor Uba Sani has understood this better than many commentators, and that is why his leadership style deserves commendation.

Let us move from who is a Christian or Muslim to who can deliver for our people.

God bless Southern Kaduna.
God bless Kaduna State.

VMB
bobaivictor2@gmail.com