Colleagues and associates of Mr Jerry Adams, nominated by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State as running mate in the 2027 election described his nomination as well deserved.
They cited his humility, inclusive leadership and commitment to duty as some of the qualities that endear him to people.
Newsmen report that Adams before his nomination last week was the Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Services (KADIRS).
The staff of KADIRS who spoke in separate interviews with NAN in Kaduna, said Adams’ leadership style at the organisation endeared him to workers and contributed to the agency’s achievements.
Mr Zakari Jamilu Muhammad, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at KADIRS, described Adams as a principled and focused leader who pursued set goals with determination.
Muhammad said that by virtue of his office, he worked directly with Adams and witnessed first-hand his commitment to transparency, accountability and teamwork.
According to him, Adams operated an open-door policy that encouraged staff participation in decision-making and created an atmosphere where every worker felt valued.
“Among all the Executive Chairmen we have had, Comrade Jerry Adams has remained a man of the people.
“Staff enjoyed working with him, and the celebration that greeted his nomination reflected the confidence they have in his leadership,” Muhammad said.
Also speaking, the Ag Director of Tax Audit, Mr Shehu Ismail, said Adams demonstrated exceptional leadership by uniting staff behind the organisation’s goals despite the challenges associated with managing a major revenue agency.
He said Adams provided the resources required for effective service delivery and maintained cordial working relationships that inspired employees to give their best.
Ismail also recalled Adams’ political engagements across Southern Kaduna, saying he contributed to expanding the All Progressives Congress (APC) acceptance by explaining the achievements of Gov. Uba Sani’s administration to communities across the zone.
”We believe the governor made the right choice at the right time. He has what it takes to support the governor and move Kaduna State to greater heights,” Ismail said.
Mr Kenneth Sunday Lucky of the ICT Unit said he had worked closely with Adams since his days as Executive Director, Corporate Services, before he became Executive Chairman of KADIRS.
Lucky described Adams as an accessible and humble leader who consistently maintained an open-door policy, allowing members of staff to freely discuss official and personal matters with him.
According to him, Adams never allowed his office to create barriers between himself and employees, but rather treated everyone with dignity and respect while placing the welfare of staff high on his administration’s priorities.
”He is not just a boss but a true leader. He always puts people first, carries everyone along and has the capacity to excel in his new assignment,” Lucky said.
The Head of Development Levy at KADIRS, Mrs Saratu Shehu, also described Adams as a leader whose humility and simplicity distinguished him throughout his years in public service.
She said Adams remained approachable despite occupying high office and consistently prioritised the welfare and happiness of members of staff.
”I believe he fully deserves this nomination and even greater responsibilities because of his commitment to service and genuine concern for people,” she said.
Also lending his voice, Mr Peter Gabriel, Regional Manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Kaduna, described Adams as a principled leader with exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for solving people’s problems.
Gabriel said Adams’ performance at KADIRS contributed to remarkable improvements in Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue, describing the achievement as evidence of his administrative competence.
According to him, Adams enjoys widespread acceptance because of his ability to relate with people across ethnic, religious and social divides, making him a bridge-builder and consensus-driven leader.
”He is someone who understands the people’s challenges and has earned their trust. We are confident he will complement the governor and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Kaduna State,” Gabriel said.
The respondents unanimously wished Adams success in his new political assignment, expressing optimism that his experience in public administration, inclusive leadership style and commitment to service would add value to governance if elected deputy governor alongside Gov. Uba Sani in the 2027 general election.