Southern Kaduna groups jostle for deputy gov slot

Map of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

The choice of a new Deputy Governor for Kaduna State has started to generate tension between top politicians from the southern part of the state as groups intensified lobby for their candidates.

The position, which has been zoned to the predominantly Christian south, became vacant after Alhaji Mukhtar Yero was sworn in as Governor on Sunday after his boss, Mr. Patrick Yakowa, died in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State on Saturday.

Among the Peoples Democratic Party chiefs being touted for the job are Yakowa’s widow, Amina; the state PDP Chairman, Mr. Nuhu Bajoga; Yakowa’s Principal Private Secretary, Mr. Allamagani Yohana; and the late governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Abobi Galadima.

Although some powerful persons are reportedly drumming up support for Amina’s appointment, our correspondent learnt that the move was being resisted in some quarters.

A close associate of the Yakowas, who would not want his name in print, told our correspondent that “Madam is not even happy with what is going on. People should just allow her to mourn her husband”.

However, unconfirmed reports said a group had sent a delegation to Mrs. Patience Jonathan to press for Amina’s appointment.

The source said, “But the argument in some quarters is that should Yero drops dead today it means that the Mrs. Yakowa will become governor, which some people, especially from the Muslim dominated northern part of the state don’t want.”

Our source said those pushing for Amina’s appointment were a “small cabal who have been working underground for the 2015 governorship in the state.”

He added, “This cabal wants to remain relevant to the politics of the state. They bring in the name of Mrs. Yakowa and link it with the Presidency to look as if President Goodluck Jonathan has interest in who becomes the deputy governor of the state.”

Meanwhile, Bajoga is said to be favourite for the job as the former Nigerian Ambassador to Holland enjoys a huge following in the state.

The source said, “In Southern Kaduna, he (Bajoga) is friend of all. The permutation is that Bajoga is more mature when it comes to the handling of public matters, which is what the new governor should embrace.”

Already, the Concerned Southern Kaduna Professionals, a body of civil servants, lecturers, military officers and technocrats from the southern part of the state have expressed their concern over the secrecy over the selection of the Deputy Governor.

In a statement, the leaders of the association, Dr. Kyari Yates and Dr. John Danfulani, demanded a transparent process.

The statement read in part, “It is a complete denigration of our sensibilities and political rights. That was not the legacy the amiable governor left behind. He worked with openness, carried all along irrespective of tribe or religion. He was fair and just.

“We therefore see the precedence being set now for the selection of the Deputy Governor as one that is calamitous and detrimental to the development of the state as a whole and its peace loving people

“We are strongly against deliberate plots to cause division and rancour in the area with political objective of undermining our existence.”