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Tag: Mukthar Yero

  • ‘Defection ‘ll not affect PDP in Kaduna’

    ‘Defection ‘ll not affect PDP in Kaduna’

    Alhaji Bashir Sakadadi is the Political Adviser to Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Yero. In this interview with TONY AKOWE, he speaks on the protracted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crises and future of the party in the state.

    Governor Yero has been in the saddle for over one year now. As his Political Adviser, how would you access his performance?

    God gave him the opportunity to govern this state. Before he assumed office, there were many challenges, especially in the area of security. But, looking at the issue of insecurity in the state at the moment, we have course to thank God because, at the moment, we are enjoying some level of peace. I can tell you that, among the 19 Northern states, Kaduna is one of the few states where people go about their businesses freely. You know that many states in the North have banned commercial motorcycle operation; but many of them have been accommodated here, particularly those from the states close to us and they are enjoying their stay in the state. In view of this, I can tell you that Kaduna has turned to a mini- Nigeria. In terms of projects, when Governor Yero came to power, he promised that he will continue from where the late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa stopped and that is exactly what he is doing right now. We want to believe that the people of Kaduna state are really enjoying the dividends of democracy.

    But, there are those who believe that Governor Yero has not done well in the last one year.

    I disagree with them. We have just one government and it is a government of continuity. Don’t forget, the governor was the deputy to the late Yakowa and we have already made plan from 2011 to 2015. I will appeal to the people to give us more time because the governor has studied the situation of governance and he is very well equipped to lead the people and to provide them with social amenities. When he came to power, we were having problems of insecurity. But when he stepped into office, he gave more priority to security and now, we are enjoying peace. Secondly, he realised that youths in the state lacked employment and we started recruiting science teachers. We have already recruited teachers, right from secondary to our higher institutions. Infact, we have employed more than 6,000 teachers. We have also trained about 7500 youths under the SURE-P programme. They were in block making, fish farming, printing among others.

    But the people of Southern Kaduna alleged that projects in their areas stopped after the death of the former governor?

    That did not happen only in Southern Kaduna. There was a time when on-going projects across the state stopped due to several reasons. Those handling the projects were expecting the government to give them additional payment. I was the Commissioner for Science and Technology and Commissioner for Agriculture. At a time, the governor invited stakeholders and told them what is on ground, with regards to funding. When Yakowa was alive, the state collected a loan, which the late governor promised to pay back within four years of his administration. That money was used to mobilise contractors for the projects. All of them collected part payment, but most of the contractors were expecting additional payments. But the government was having shortage of funds and that made most of the contractors to stop work. But today, if you go through most of the 23 local government areas, you will discover that most of the contractors have gone back to site to continue their work.

    There seems to be a sort of religious segregation, with Muslims and Christians living in different parts of the state and afraid to miss. What is government doing about this?

    You will agree with me that it is not going to be easy to ask somebody from Ikara to go to Southern Kaduna to build a house and live there. The reason why Christians and Muslims occupy Kaduna is because that is the headquarters of government and the centre of business. What we are saying is that, if we must live together, we must agree to live in peace. We must learn to work and eat together. The previous misunderstanding in the state was brought about because of religion. The late Patrick Yakowa set up a Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which involved almost 160 people, including religious, traditional leaders. They did their best and have submitted their report.

    Population growth has led to increased agitation for amenities. What is the government doing about this?

    If you look at the state budget for this year, you will discover that security was given top priority. This was followed by education. Considering the influx of people from other states, I must say that we in Kaduna State have done our best. We pay attention to security because, without security, there is no way people will enjoy staying here.

    We also have a new Millennium City where a 300 bed hospital is being constructed by the government. The Millennium City was conceived as part of our plans to continue accommodating people that are coming into the state. Kaduna State University is one of the newest in the country. But, when you go there, you will testify that the state government is really doing something.

    Some prominent members of your party, the PDP, have defected to the APC. How would you react to this development?

    To me, it is not new because, in politics, we don’t have permanent friend or enemy. If you are talking about interest, it comes with a reason. Before the merger, we had three major parties in the state. These are the ANPP, the CPC and the PDP. Now that we are approaching elections, some people will start calculating and looking for a party to belong to win elections. For those who are defecting from the PDP to other party, it is my opinion that they have not taken the right decision. To us in PDP, it is not a big loss because we are talking about individuals and not the party. If I decide to the APC, I am going with my attitude and character because you cannot change me at my age.

    How prepared is the PDP for the 2015 elections, in view of the potential threat by the APC in the state?

    I don’t agree with you that the APC poses a threat to the PDP in the state in 2015 because there is no fact to back it. The PDP structure is on ground and the fact that one or two PDP people defected to the APC means nothing to us. We are talking about elections. Let us wait for the election to come and then, we can decide.

    Are you confident that the PDP will retain power in 2015?

    Of course, I am confident that we are going to retain power, especially when you look at the initial starting point of the APC. It is not going to be easy for them to take away government from the incumbent government because they do not even believe and trust themselves. Everyone among them wants to be a leader and after the interim leadership, there will be time for the original leadership of the party to be formed and later to get who to represent them at the general elections.

     

  • Kaduna budgets N198b

    Kaduna budgets N198b

    Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Yero has presented a budget estimate of N198.7 billion to the House of Assembly, with water supply taking the lion share of N24 billion.

    Yero said the state would generate about N29 billion internally, while internal and external loans would amount to about N60 billion.

    Education and health were allocated N14 billion and N10 billion in the budget, tagged: “Budget of peace and continuity.”

    The governor said: “Recurrent Expenditure is pegged at N74,263,005,298. This represents N37.76 per cent.

    “Our Capital Expenditure is put at N124,415,887,120. , representing 62.24 per cent.’’

  • Reject dictators, says ACF

    Reject dictators, says ACF

    The northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has asked Nigerians not to allow a small segment of the nation set the nation’s agenda.

    It urged Christians to abide by the tenets of peace and unity, which were the hallmark of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

    In its Christmas message by the National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, the ACF said since Jesus Christ preached love and peace, the only way to profess to be His followers was to follow His teachings.

    The message reads: “Arewa Consultative Forum felicitates with Christians at Christmas. We pray this occasion would make Christians to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.

    “Nigeria may be going through challenges that have engendered mistrust, suspicion and frustration in the polity to the extent that our sense of brotherhood and togetherness is being called into question. But we cannot and should not allow challenges posed by a minority segment of our society to set our national agenda.

    “And that is why ACF urges Christians and Nigerians to use the Christmas and supplant any frustrations with sense of love, faith and hope, because the challenges are not beyond redemption.”

     

    Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Yero asked the people to avoid things that are detrimental to peace and unity.

    In a statement by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, the governor called on Christians to reflect on God’s special gift of salvation to mankind through the birth of Jesus Christ.

    He said: “As a special day when Christians mark the birth of Jesus Christ, it is imperative at Christmas to reflect on the basic teachings of Christianity anchored on peace, love and unity.

    “Let’s use the opportunity provided by Christmas to extend the hand of fellowship to one another.”

  • Yero sends nominees to House

    Yero sends nominees to House

    Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Yero has sent the names of the ex-Speaker, Basir Zubairu; former member of the House of Representatives, Ado Dogo Audu and some council chairmen to the House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioners.

    The governor, in September, sacked the Executive Council he inherited from the late Governor, Patrick Yakowa.

    Others on the list include ex-commissioners Everton Yari (Health) and Nasiru Aliyu Damau (Inter-Governmental Affairs).

    Also included are ex-chairmen – Ahmed Shehu Giant (Kaduna North); Joseph Thot (Jaba); Isaac Bodam (Kaura); Madami Garba Madami (Chikun); Mrs. Comfort Amwe (Sanga); Joshua Shekarau Uchissa (Lere) and Kasimu Lawal Abubakar (Sabon Gari).

    In a November 15 letter to the Speaker, the governor said: “I hereby submit to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the list of nominees for clearance to enable their appointment into the Kaduna State Executive Council.”

     

  • 2015: Can Yero weather the storm?

    2015: Can Yero weather the storm?

    Many groups and associations have endorsed Kaduna Governor Mukthar Yero for the 2015 election. TONY AKOWE writes on the scramble for power in the Northwest state.

    The first group to endorse Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Yero for the 2015 election was the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). At a news conference in Kaduna, the state capital, its chairman, Mr Danjuma Akuso,said that the members were impressed by the performance of the governor.

    Hailing Yero for endowing his office with honour and integrity, he said his leadership style is worthy of emulation. Akuro said that, since the governor succeeded the late Governor Patrick Dakowa in December last year, he has not starved the local government of funds, adding that the council allocations are not deducted.

    Akuso explained the significance of the endorsement. He said that, as grassroots politicians, the chairmen, councillors and administrators of the 46 Development Areas are the gateway to the nooks and crannies, adding that no indigene can become the governor without their support. Akuso also dismissed the division in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a ruse, saying that there is no crack.

    Following the endorsement by the council chairmen, individuals, groups and associations have contributed to the gale of endorsement.

    Yero became governor, following the death of Yakowa in a helicopter crash. Before he passed on, he was warming up for a second term. There was a struggle between Christians and Muslims over political control in the state. Thus, for religious balancing, Muslim governors always pair with Christian deputies and vice versa. Yakowa’s sudden death was painful to the Christians. When Yero succeeded him, he appointed a Christian as his deputy, reminiscent of his appointment by the deceased as deputy, following the elevation of former Governor Namidi Sambo to the Vice Presidency.

    In the PDP, the main issue in Kaduna State is the governorship. It is the first battle of note that Yero will fight. His supporters have kicked off a subtle campaign for continuity. However, the question on the lips of many people is whether Yero, a strong loyalist of Vice President Mohammed Sambo, has what it takes to win the election. Alhough the governor is trying to build political structures at the moment, many believe that he cannot separate himself from his boss, the Vice President, who brought him to political lime light. The ability of Yero to manage the political camps within the PDP will, no doubt, be a litmus test for him. The greatest challenge is whether he can secure the ticket, despite his power of incumbency.

    Yero, according to sources, is interested in keeping his job, although he has kept sealed lip on his ambition.

    The power equation in the state tends to favour power shift to the Kaduna North Senatorial District. But the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union believes that a politician from the area should succeed Yero because, in its view, Yakowa did not complete his term.

    But sources said that, at the moment, the Southern Kaduna people have not groomed anybody to take over that responsibility. This has energised Yero, who is working underground to garner support. Although there is no love lost between the Vice President, who is Yero’s mentor and political godfather, and the former governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, political watchers believe that Makarfi still has a great role to play in who emerges as the governor, especially on the platform of the PDP. However, since assuming office, Yero has been hobnobbing with Makarfi. He has attended virtually all functions organised by the former governor or his associates. Yero was present at the senator’s country home in Makarfi town, when he gave out poverty alleviation materials to the people. He was also at his 57th birthday dinner in Kaduna. It is believed that such moves are aimed at courting the friendship of the former governor. But whether Makarfi will give him his support is yet to be seen.

    Makarfi and his supporters are believed to be preparing a member of the House of Representatives from Makarfi/Kudan Constituency, Hon. Isa Ashiru, for the job. The former governor has a strong followership within the PDP across the state. He is respected in the Southern Kaduna, where the party often draw majority of its votes during the general elections. The recent birthday dinner organised for the former governor by his political associates is believed to be one of the ways to announce that they are prepared to unseat Yero in 2015. If Yero fails to make it to the Government House in 2015, he may have been a victim of power play between the senator and the Vice President. Although the two men have always said that their relationship is cordial, it is an open secret that they are not the best of friends and they have always worked against one another. Some people have argued that, if Yero wants to continue in the office, he should build a solid structure. Some groups have started to campaign for the governor’s election. One of them is the Kaduna PDP Youth Solidarity Forum. Another one is Yero/Bajoga Advancement Vanguard. Both are led by Southern Kaduna youths.

    The Coordinator of Yero/Bajoga Advancement Vanguard, Mr Mordecai Ibrahim, urged the people to rally round the governor to move the state forward. He said: “We know that power actually belongs to God Almighty and He gives it to whosoever He pleases. He has given it to Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero. We should rally behind him to move our dear state forward. We wish to make the point very clear that, in all the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, there is no crisis whatsoever within the ranks of our great party, the PDP.

    “We are a strong, united and indivisible political party, enjoying a harmonious relationship. The Peoples’ Democratic Party remains the party to beat in Kaduna State and, come 2015, members in all the three senatorial zones will work hard to deliver in all the elections.”

    The Chairman of the Kaduna PDP Youth Solidarity Forum, Mr Danjuma Seriki, said the youths will support Yero because he represents a generational shift in governance.

    He said: “We are giving Yero total support for the 2015 election and we are calling on all the youths in the state to do same. As a young man, Yero represents a generational shift in governance in the state. He came into office at a time when so many projects were initiated by the Yakowa government and he decided that he must continue with these projects and did not abandon any of them.

    “He has been implementing the budget he inherited religiously; he is accessible to the youths, humble and attends all events organised by the youths. He is focused and determined to meet the yearning of the people of Kaduna State. We will do everything possible to ensure that he emerge as the governor of the state”.

    There are indications that other interest groups may raise more candidates to challenge the governor. Although not much is known about those willing to contest the governorship, speculations are rife that former Secretary to Government Mr Samaila Abdullahi Yakawada is warming up for the contest. Yakawada is a grassroots operator from Giwa local government, Kaduna Central Senatorial District, where the Vice President comes from. But this cannot be immediately confirmed as he has not made any move. His closeness to the Southern Kaduna people could be a plus for him, if he eventually decides to run for the seat. Yakawada contested the seat with the Vice President in 2007, but lost at the first round of ballot. He has not been in the good books of the Kaduna State Government. As the Secretary to Government under Yakowa, he was perceived as the defacto governor, a situation that did not go down well with Yero, who was the deputy governor. He was among the first sets of people to be fired by Yero when he became the governor

    Many issues will shape the 2015 poll. The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has always been a strong opposition to the PDP in the state. The merger of the main opposition parties and the eventual emergence of the All Progressive Congress (APC)will pose serious threat to Yero’s ambition. There are fears in the political circle that those who may be denied the opportunity to contest the governorship election in the PDP may team up with the APC to unseat Yero and the PDP. The CPC, which is part of the APC, has a strong influence in the state, especially in the northern part. Political watchers are of the view that the governorship ticket may be zoned to the southern part of the state. But others argue that doing that will be counter-productive for them as the sentiments that existed during the Yakowa election does not exist any longer.

    A strong southern Kaduna politician said that politicians from the northern part of the state are saying that, if the APC gives a southern Kaduna man its ticket, the northern part will use the same sentiment with which Yakowa came into office to get the required one third from the area to produce the governor.

    Apart from the opposition and the Makarfi group, which Yero may have to contend with, there are other contending forces, whose ambition may not be too clear for now.

    Many believe that Suleiman Hukunyi is still a force to reckon with. His group has a strong link with the Makarfi group. There is also the Idris Mikati group, which has worked in many rural communities in the past. Although Mikati has contested the governorship on two occasions without success, it is not yet known whether he still has the ambition. Mikati had a close working relationship with the late Yakowa.

    There is no gainsaying the fact that the politics of who becomes governor in Kaduna in 2015 will be very interesting. Many are looking forward to the battle to take over Kaduna by the APC. The APC is yet to make its presence felt in the state. But, if it is not resolved on time, the division in the PDP may weaken the platform, ahead of 2015 and create the opportunity for the APC to rule the state.