Kaduna: Race for Vacant Position of D/Gov Commences

Written by This Day Saturday, 15 May 2010

Intense struggle has commenced in Kaduna State over who would be the deputy governor in view of the nomination of Namadi Sambo as Vice President designate by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr. Patrick Yakowa, Sambo’s deputy automatically gets sworn in as governor if the nomination of Sambo gets the backing of the National Assembly.

A secret meeting was said to have been held by key officials of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party so as to be prepared with a candidate when the nomination of Sambo scales through.

The meeting was said not to have been conclusive due to the desire by most in attendance to have their own candidates nominated for the deputy post. Another meeting aimed at finding a way out of the deadlock has been put on hold pending the return of Namadi Sambo from Abuja.

Due to the nature of the state, since Yakowa is a Christian from the southern part of the state, automatically, a Muslim from the northern part has to emerge as deputy governor.

Other consideration that must come into play in the selection process is the fact that since Yakowa is from zone three, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly is from zone one, the new deputy has to be selected from zone two where Sambo also comes from.

Those highly favoured from zone two include the current commissioner of information, Saidu Adamu, a vibrant and energetic young man.
Others are Mohammed Yaro Farakwai, Commissioner for Commerce and Industries who was a two-term speaker in the State and the majority leader in the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Bashir Idris.

As at the time of filling this report Mr. Yakowa and most of the commissioners in the state were still locked in a meeting at the state government house even though Namadi Sambo is yet to return to the state.

The meeting according to source was to ensure that the selection process is devoid of any rancor, capable of dividing the unity within the PDP.