Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Tuesday commissioned a newly completed road project in Kwoi, the headquarters of Jaba Local Government Area, but reportedly did not pay the customary courtesy visit to the palace of the Kpop Ham before the inauguration, a development that has generated discussion among residents and palace sources.
The governor, who was received by government officials, community leaders and residents, inaugurated the road project, which is expected to improve transportation, ease movement within the town and stimulate socio-economic activities in the area.
Attention, however, shifted to the governor’s itinerary following the omission of the traditional palace visit, a protocol palace sources said has long been observed during official visits by serving governors and other senior government officials to the Ham Chiefdom.
Palace sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said arrangements had been made for Governor Sani to pay a courtesy visit to the palace of the Kpop Ham before proceeding to the commissioning venue, in line with established tradition.
According to the sources, members of the traditional council, including the Kpop Ham and other palace officials who travelled from different locations, had assembled at the palace in anticipation of the governor’s arrival.
They further disclosed that the Kpop Ham, who is advanced in age and could not attend the road commissioning ceremony, had delegated a representative to attend on his behalf. The representative, they alleged, was not given the opportunity to deliver the monarch’s goodwill message to the governor and members of the community.
The palace sources expressed disappointment over the development and called on the Executive Chairman of Jaba Local Government Area to explain why the customary palace visit was omitted from the official programme.
The development has since raised questions among some residents and stakeholders, who described the palace visit as an important aspect of official engagements within the Ham Chiefdom.
Despite their concerns, the palace sources commended Governor Uba Sani for completing and commissioning the road project, describing it as a significant infrastructure intervention that would improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Kwoi and neighbouring communities.
They noted that the road would enhance the movement of people and goods, boost commercial activities, improve access to markets and essential services, and contribute to the overall development of Jaba Local Government Area.
The sources added that while they were disappointed by the omission of the customary palace visit, the community remained appreciative of the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development. They also expressed hope that the cordial relationship between the Kaduna State Government and the Ham Chiefdom would continue to grow through mutual respect for established customs and the traditional institution.
The newly commissioned road is expected to improve connectivity within Kwoi and surrounding communities, facilitate trade and transportation, and support economic growth across Jaba Local Government Area.
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