The alleged political cold war within the ranks of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over ministerial nominees in Kaduna state yesterday took another turn, with some section of the party members rejecting the replacement of previous nominees.
However, a strong source in the Presidency confirmed to LEADERSHIP on condition of anonymity that the purported nomination of Mrs. Zainab Shamshuna Ahmed, Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) might also not see the light of the day, though the President has insisted that Kaduna nominee would still be a woman in honour of his commitment to the women folk.
The PDP members from Kaduna Central Senatorial zone, comprising Kajuru, Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Igabi in a statement jointly signed by
Yusuf Rahaman Shika and Bulus Gwada stated “We want to mention categorically that zones I and III of the state have produced ministers and ambassadors at different times without any hindrance or imposition.
Thus, we believe it is time this injustice be addressed to allow the zone to have a fair share in the affairs of our great country. This unfolding scenario is repugnant, unfair, unjust, immoral and above all unhealthy. It is certainly not in the interest of the party’’.
The statement advised ‘‘If the position of Minister is reserved for members of the PDP from zone II and others could not make the list we must look inward to see other potential candidates from the zone in the absence of any.”
It also appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the em-passe before it degenerated any further, and said, ‘‘we have not yet healed the wounds of the post election violence nor have forgotten the battles we fought to be where we are today.? Therefore, we wonder what is wrong or what offences the many competent party men and women from our zone may have committed”
LEADERSHIP could not get the position of the party at the PDP Kaduna secretariat regarding the controversy trailing the ministerial nominees from the state as its chairman Alhaji Yau Usman, was said to be presiding over an urgent meeting.