WHO IS ON KADUNA STATE’S LIST?

The Nigerian media is awash with names of prospective appointees as Ministers, Special Advisers and Chairman of Boards of Federal Parastatals which have been forwarded to the PDP National Headquarters and Mr. President. Each State is reported to have submitted 10 names, and so far about 29 States’ lists have been made public. The list from Kaduna is conspicuously missing, but there are many speculations on who will be on it, or what has happened  to it. These speculations are fuelled by rumors of an intense power play going on in the State, and different commentators and interest groups have strong opinions on who should be, or is on the list which is still to see the light of day. The political horse trading in Kaduna State and its possible outcome is likely to signal the location of power and those who would have lost out. For a State which needs unity and a strong government to pull it out of its current difficulties and create an atmosphere for economic development and peaceful coexistence, quarrels over who should be favored with a federal appointment are likely to compound the perception of ineffectiveness and external control over its affairs.

The selection of citizens of a State who may be appointed into key positions at the Federal level is very important. Ordinarily, it should be the joint responsibility of the Governor, the Party and other major stakeholders in the State. It should also done on the basis of competence and the record of the nominees, equity, and a recognition of the pre-eminent position of the Chief Executive. It is also important to consider the potential of the nominees to contribute to governance at the national level, as well as ensuring that the State achieves the maximum benefit from the appointment.

It is no secret that the election of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa has created a number of power clusters in the State, each with some claims for his victory. Some of the key players and clusters in the State’s politics do not see eye-to-eye, and the process of deciding who to select for federal appointment appears to be the battle ground for supremacy among these clusters and key players. The political terrain in Kaduna State is extremely fluid, but it is safe to assume that the influence of the Vice President Namadi Sambo, the State’s Party Chairman and Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi are visible and potent. The former Governor and out-going Senator, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi may appear to have lost out  after losing his re-election bid, but it will be wrong to dismiss his considerable weight and influence built over the years as a politician. Then there is the massive influence of the Party members from the southern part of the State, the part which stood solidly behind Governor Yakowa. Prominent citizens and many communities from that part of the State would like to see key appointments go to their sons and daughter as just rewards for their support and loyalty.

All these clusters and key players will expect to find expression in the manner nominees are decided upon. In particular, the Governor and the Vice President will have to engage each other in a delicate battle of wits and for the influence of Mr. President in order to both nominate citizens and make sure that they minimize any possible damage to their relationships. Governor Yakowa will also have to balance the need to reward service and loyalty in the campaigns for his re-election against entrenched interests that will pit his two predecessors in office against each other. Whatever happens, some powerful interests will lose out. How that translates into Governor Yakowa’s control and management of Party and State affairs will depend on how much goodwill he gains by who is nominated and appointed, and how much goodwill he loses from those he will alienate if they lose out.

It does not say much about the decision-making process, or the decisiveness of Governor Yakowa that the citizens of Kaduna State are yet to know who has been nominated. If there is a list or lists in Abuja, and the people on them are not being made public, it suggests some deep disagreement among the key decision-makers. If there is no list yet, it suggests that the political problem in the State is very deep indeed. Either way, this is not a good omen for a government which should be firm, decisive and effective.

Governor Patrick Yakowa will be sworn in on 29^th May as Governor with a fresh mandate. The citizens of this State will expect him to govern with a clear vision and the firmness and maturity of a leader of a complex State. All his actions must portray him as his own man, a leader capable of taking decisions in the interest of the entire citizenry, and one who can handle more complex political problems than selecting ten people who may be given Federal appointments. There are many challenges before the Governor and the State, and most citizens will hope that he will find the will and the political skills to overcome these challenges.