Barr Sanga’s Legacy Projects Bring Hope to Adamawa’s IDPs, Justice Seekers

By Emmanuel Kwada

Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Adamawa State, Barr. Bala Silas Sanga, has finally broken his long public silence, revealing how he harnessed his international connections at the United Nations to execute two major legacy projects for the state during the final days of former Governor Muhammadu Umar Jibrilla Bindow’s administration.

In an exclusive interview in Yola, the UN-trained humanitarian and legal expert described the initiatives the construction of 150 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maiha Local Government Area and the building of three new High Courts as his personal “parting gifts” to the people of Adamawa.

Sanga, who hails from the Southern Senatorial Zone and previously served as a UN Country Representative before joining the state cabinet, said his global networks enabled the successful funding and execution of the projects at the twilight of the Bindow administration.

“The 150 housing units in Maiha were designed to provide sustainable shelter and dignity for vulnerable families displaced by insecurity,” he stated.

“At the same time, I facilitated the construction of three High Courts in Ganye, Numan, and Gombi to bring justice closer to the people and decentralize judicial services across the senatorial zones.”

Beyond physical infrastructure, Sanga highlighted significant legal reforms achieved under his watch. He noted with pride that Adamawa State became the first government in Sub-Saharan Africa to enact the Proceeds of Crime Law, a progressive legislation now being studied and adopted by the Federal Government and several other states as a model for justice sector reform and asset recovery.

Transitioning from achievements to his growing disillusionment with contemporary politics, the award-winning legal practitioner delivered a scathing critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigeria’s political culture.

Sanga expressed disappointment that democratic governments and political parties often sideline competent, service-oriented individuals in favour of “rubble robbers and people with eroded dignity.”

He drew a clear distinction between aspirants and candidates, arguing that many parties repeatedly produce strong primary winners who turn out to be weak general election candidates.

“My experience in the APC is that we end up with aspirants, not good candidates,” he lamented. “Aspirants win primaries; good candidates win general elections.”

The former commissioner questioned the value placed on competence, integrity, and commitment in today’s political arena. He warned that unless these virtues are prioritised by party leaders and the electorate, he may reconsider his continued active involvement in politics.

“Politics is an avenue for service, not for looting or personal upliftment,” Sanga asserted, positioning himself as an advocate for ethical and purposeful governance.

Barr. Bala Silas Sanga’s revelations come at a time when Adamawa State, like much of the country, is already positioning itself for the 2027 general elections.

His comments have sparked discussions about the role of technocrats and internationally exposed professionals in governance versus the dominance of career politicians.

As a respected legal luminary who has also served as lead counsel in high-profile cases, including for the EFCC, Sanga’s intervention is being viewed by some observers as a timely wake-up call on the need for parties to field credible candidates who can deliver tangible development rather than pursue personal ambition.

Whether his frank assessment will influence political calculations in Adamawa ahead of 2027 remains to be seen.

However, his detailed account of leveraging UN influence for concrete projects stands as a reminder of what targeted expertise and strategic networking can achieve when placed at the service of the people.