SENATOR SANI KAMBA (POLITICIAN)
How would you describe your early days?
It was wonderful being born into a loving family in Kebbi State (former Sokoto State) in the then old Northern Region. My father was particular about giving us the best education which prompted me to enroll for education early. After my primary education the available option was Teacher Training College (which was in vogue then) because the belief was that as soon as you were through you would come back to the system to impact knowledge.
I quickly embraced teaching education. I began my career as a teacher where I worked for a few years before I quit. Later on, I joined the Nigerian Customs Service where I worked for many years, then left to start my own business in clearing and forwarding. From there I switched to the oil sector after which I joined politics where I am till this day.
The only ambition for a focused youth is to get sound education and be successful in life. In our days, we didn’t have a choice because as soon as we finished from Teacher Training College, the Local Authority then would just post you. It was up to you to make up your mind whether to continue in that teaching line or to opt out. So after a brief stint in teaching I opted out to chart a new career path that took me to Customs, Clearing and Forwarding, Oil sector and now politics.
Was it service to humanity that pushed you into politics?
Yes. By God’s grace I was already an established fellow before dabbling into politics. I was an ardent reader of political history and found out during the First Republic that our leaders Sardauna, Azikwe, Tafawa Balewa, Awolowo, Akintola and many prominent politicians contributed immensely to the growth of this country and served their people well in their various capacities. I found their exploits in politics interesting and encouraging. Having done well for myself in my private capacity I decided to go into politics to serve my people and the country at large. I went into the Senate in 2003 to 2007.
How would you describe politics of old and today?
It is incomparable because politicians of those days were committed, dedicated and selfless. When you are talking of politicians of old, corruption is alien to them. What occupied their minds at all time is how to better the lot of their people, create a better society and move the country forward. Although one cannot eradicate corruption totally in every sphere of life, it was very minimal in their days. For instance, if a Minister was appointed to represent the party at the centre, whatever percentage they get would be put back into the coffer of the party.
How do you think corruption can be curbed?
Corruption can be minimised and ‘not completely eradicated’ in any government by enlightening public officials or constantly reminding them that when you are called to serve doesn’t mean you are to serve yourself, you are to serve both your consistency and Nigerians at large.
How would you describe your experience as a politician?
It was a different ball game because as a business man you are your own boss. But as a politician you belong to everybody. You must also have at the back of your mind that you go there to serve not yourself but your people because they want something that will benefit the community.
If you are to look back, are you a fulfilled man?
Oh yes! I consider myself very fulfilled because God has spared my life till this day and has also granted me good health. God has also given me something to cherish for the rest of my life. For instance, when I look at myself and my contemporaries I thank God that I have not done badly.
What lesson has life taught you?
It has been a life full of gratitude to God; from being a local teacher, to becoming a Customs officer and later a businessman and politician. God has been there with me all the way. The lesson learnt is that with God on your side you can move up. Life is not a bed of roses because sometimes you feel bad about your situation, sometimes you feel satisfied with yourself. The only thing is to embrace God and be content with whatever He gives you.
Can you call yourself a rich man?
Rich? I am not rich o! I am contented with what God gives me. I am not rich but comfortable. Life is not about liquid cash but having contentment and peace of mind; and above all, to serve God and humanity.
If you could change back the hands of clock, were there things you would have done differently?
When I left teaching I was called for an interview to be a manager in Michelin Tyres in Lagos in 1969. By that time the Nigerian Civil War was still going on. The man who interviewed me asked me whether I had a driver’s licence. I had just disengaged from a teaching line, where would I get money to buy a car? The man asked me if I would like to go to Jos or Lagos. They said they would consider me but I never went back. I was still ruminating on the next step when I learnt that an interview was going on in the Customs Service. That was how I jettisoned the idea of becoming a manager in Michelin. Back to your question it would have been a big one for me a local teacher to becoming a manager in a company like Michelin but missed the opportunity. Well, I have no regret so far because God has destined my way and He directed my path to reach the top.
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