Nigerian Newspaper Extract

The Sun

From: ISMAIL OMIPIDAN, Kaduna

Barring any last minute change of plans, the Deputy Governor designate and incumbent

Kaduna State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chairman, Amba Nuhu Bajoga, is

expected to appear before the House of Assembly this morning for screening and

confirmation. The appearance, is for formality, as Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero

was said to have met with the principal officers of the House, shortly after

forwarding Bajoga’s name to the lawmakers last Monday for consideration and

approval, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended.)

Once the nomination is confirmed, the new deputy governor is expected to be

sworn in later today, in line with the existing tradition in the state.

Meanwhile, an intense pressure is being mounted on the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Lawal Samaila Abdullahi Yakawada, by notable influential politicians and personalities in the state, not to resign. It was gathered that even when the SSG tendered his resignation, the governor was said to have turned it down and reportedly asked him to continue with his work.

Daily Sun had exclusively reported about a week ago that the SSG was among those that are expected to be exited from the government, following the demise of the late Governor Patric Yakowa based on certain political consideration and because of the not too good relationship that had existed between the new governor and some members of the cabinet, a development, the new governor himself confirmed last week Wednesday, two days after Daily Sun had published its own report on the matter. Historically, Yakawada, being the most senior Yakowa man in government, is the first Muslim to be appointed an SSG, since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

In the past, the position is usually occupied by a Christian from southern Kaduna, while a Muslim holds the position of the Head of Service. But in the present circumstance, the present Head of Service is a Christian from southern Kaduna he has about one more year to formally leave the service. The thinking therefore, is to allow the SSG remain till when the incumbent Head of Service would leave. Besides, Daily Sun also learnt that showing Yakawada the exit door early in this administration, would be sending “a wrong signal,” since he remains the most senior of the Yakowa’s men in government.

The SSG could not be reached for comment as at press time. But when contacted, a source close to the SSG said, “well, the SSG told me he has not resigned. In fact, we spoke even yesterday (Wednesday). But I also heard from other competent sources that he tendered his resignation but the governor refused to accept it. He did not tell me that aspect, probably because of the level of secrecy involved. But he told me that the governor has not shown any sign that he was not willing to work with him. He told us if he had to leave, he would call us and consult with us.

So that is to the extent that I know.” But another source that is very close to the late governor said:“I can confirm to you that they will sack him. He also knows, and that is why he wanted to leave. But they are mounting pressures on him not to leave. “And because those involved are influential, he has listened to them and he is not contemplating leaving at least for now. So we wait for Yero’s decision on the cabinet. But if you ask for my candid view, I will ask the governor to leave them for now and only sack those who cannot fit in.

I say so because even before Oga (Yakowa) died, he was already planning to dissolve the cabinet, with a view to injecting fresh blood with new ideas into the cabinet. So I agree, not all the commissioners are doing what they are supposed to do. But to offload them for any other reason other than competency, will be politically incorrect,” the source added.