Katsina 2011: The storm gathers!
Barely two years away, precisely in 2011, Nigeria will hold another general election. As it appears, only God knows what will happen before then. But given the nature of Nigeria, politicians are already strategizing, and re-aligning ahead of the period.
Among political watchers, activities ahead of the election are gradually gathering momentum. Politicians across the states have entered into a period of late night meetings and formation of all manner of political cleavages. As is common with the nation’s political culture, not even churches or mosques are spared the ordeal of political activities.
In the recent past, Sunday Sun served you analysts’ perspectives from the South-West, South-East and South-South. Here, Sunday Sun captures events in the North-West, a zone that produced the President, Umaru Yar’Adua.
Katsina State
Katsina is arguably, a centre of what can be regarded as a titanic battle, as 2011 draws near. This is so, not necessarily because President Yar’Adua is from there but because there are strong indications that the battle line appears drawn between the President’s wife, Tura’i and the President himself over whether or not incumbent governor, Ibrahim Shema should have another term.
Yar’Adua ruled the state for eight years and Shema was one of his commissioners. He declined to serve after the end of the first tenure, and opted to return to his flourishing law practice in Kaduna. Many insist that Yar’Adua believed in him and never allowed him to go far. He was sent to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja where he became the Deputy National Chairman of the ruling party.
Ironically, the position was to go to the current Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, before some PDP governors in the North-West moved against it on the grounds that he would be “too difficult” for them to handle. And Shema was pushed forward by Yar’Adua.
Towards the build up to the 2007 elections, Shema never showed interest. While former House Speaker, Aminu Bello Masari thought that his support for third term would give him an easy ride to Katsina Government House, Yar’Adua thought otherwise despite repeated assurance from him.
Instead, Yar’Adua was said to have asked his present Chief Economic Adviser, Tanimu Kurfi, to go ahead and prepare for the plumb job. In fact, Sunday Sun has it on good authority that Tanimu had gone ahead to print posters in readiness for the battle ahead. His dream was however cut short by Katsina stakeholders who told Yar’Adua that if Tanimu was fielded, PDP was going to lose based on reasons that he was not sellable in Katsina.
Foot soldiers were sent to town to confirm the claims by the stakeholders, and the outcome was in tandem with the stakeholders’ position. And that was how reluctant Shema, again came into the picture. The rest as they say is now history. But among those to watch out for in Katsina in 2011, is Tura’i, the President’s wife.
Turai Yar’Adua
She is not a politician but appears to have mastered the game more than those who stand for elective positions every now and then. She has become an influence not only in Abuja but also in Katsina. While as Katsina First lady, she never for once openly identified with partisan politics. She was busy with the promotion of religious discipline among women and children to the extent that she was bestowed with a title of Mujahidat ( one who strives in the course of Allah). The only time she was involved in a real campaign, was during the Presidential elections. And that set the stage for her transformation from a relatively unknown wife of a governor to a “world class” Nigeria’s First lady.
Tura’i is not favourably disposed to Shema continuing beyond 2011. Findings in Katsina by Sunday Sun show that Tura’i is allegedly “in love” with any politician that understands the game the Nigerian way (scratch my back, I scratch yours).
But Shema is seen largely as a “stingy governor,” and one who has refused to open the State’s vault for Katsina politicians. He is believed to be following the foot steps of his predecessor and political godfather, President Yar’Adua. For analysts, it is difficult to believe but except Yar’Adua works hard enough, Tura’i may end up shoving him aside in this very battle of who becomes the Katsina governor in 2011.
President Yar’Adua
He is Nigeria’s number one citizen. He ruled Katsina for eight years before installing Shema as his successor. But he appears not to be in control in Katsina or so it seems. All those currently fighting Shema including Tura’i are supposedly under his control. But since the Katsina PDP crisis broke out, he appears not to have found a solution to it even though Sunday Sun gathered that he is still with Shema. And that at the appropriate time, once a directive is dished out from his end, all would have to obey even if such a directive was against their wish.
Those who share this view are quick to make reference to the role he played when Shema sacked his cousin as SSG.
Sunday Sun learnt that soon after the sack, Katsina people were awash with reports that President Yar’Adua was angry with Shema. It was to the extent that most of his (Yar’Adua) loyalists began to withdraw from Shema. But the former Katsina governor was said to have given them the shock of their lives. On his way to Zamfara to present the party’s flag to Mahmuda Shinkafi, Zamfara governor, he stopped over in Katsina and took the same flight with his godson, Shema to Gusau. That singular action, Sunday Sun learnt forced most of those who were already preparing to dump Shema to beat a retreat, and their lips permanently sealed.
But Yar’Adua needs to do more to show Katsina people that he is still with Shema. Many believe that left for Yar’Adua, he would prefer Shema to continue but his wife thinks otherwise. Give and take, Yar’Adua and his wife would largely determine Shema’s fate, come 2011.
Ibrahim Shema
He is the incumbent governor. If performance is the only yardstick for a second term ticket, Shema should have it on a platter of gold. But in most parts of Nigeria, there are certain other parameters that come into play in deciding the fate of an incumbent who is interested in a second term. He cuts a picture of a good student of the “48 laws of power.” Since becoming governor, he has tried hard enough not to outshine “the master.” He has refused to deliberately build a political structure. He only makes do with the one he inherited. He would have to wait on Yar’Adua to decide his fate.
Alhaji Sayyadi Abba Ruma
He was Yar’Adua’s SSG. He served both as a junior and senior minister under President Obasanjo. He was to come in as Yar’Adua’s Chief of Staff until the equation changed. He has his eyes on the governorship but he cannot face Yar’Adua to make such an intention known. He is alleged to be the arrowhead of Abuja group, which is bent on unseating Shema. Currently a minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources, he is a strong member of Yar’Adua’s kitchen cabinet. But he appears not to be a good disciple of Yar’Adua, especially in terms of being prudent with public fund. Ironically, it is believed that it is one of the strong reasons the first lady is favourably disposed to him.
So, the calculation is that except for those who are used to free money, Katsina people are not likely to be favourably disposed to his candidature. This is so because, as one in charge of Water Resources, he has made little or no effort to complete the on-going dam projects in Katsina, one of which is very dear to Yar’Adua’s heart. As governor, Yar’Adua was always on Obasanjo’s neck over the project. He may have probably put Ruma in charge of that ministry believing that he would surpass the feat of Muktar Shagari, Water Resources minister under Obasanjo. Sokoto people are living testimonies to Shagari’s wonders as a minister in charge of the strategic ministry. Only recently, the President was said to have openly upbraided him for his alleged flamboyant life and poor handling of his ministry’s assignment. Ruma had once accused his predecessor of awarding importation of fertilizer contract to a cabal.
Interestingly, under the former minister, about 14 contractors were involved but under Ruma, only four contractors were involved in the importation. But in spite of all these, Yar’Adua still keeps him, and as such he is also a factor in Katsina politics.
Tanimu Kurfi
He was a commissioner under Yar’Adua in Katsina. He started off in this dispensation as a deputy Chief of Staff, before he was made Chief Economic Adviser to the President. Like Ruma, he is a member of the Yar’Adua’s kitchen cabinet, just as he is also part of the Abuja-based anti-Shema group.
He was once rejected by the Katsina stakeholders when Yar’Adua wanted him to succeed him. For now, he appears not to be showing interest in the race. He can be regarded as a good disciple of Yar’Adua who spends only when it is absolutely necessary to do so.
Senator Lado Garba
He struggles to express himself in English language. He is the Senate committee chairman on Land Transport. Before he got promotion to the Senate, he was a member of the House of Representatives for four years. And for the four years, he never murmured in the Green chamber, let alone made a contribution on the floor of the House. But today, he wants to be governor. In fact, he made the declaration at the Eagle Square venue of the PDP’s National Convention early this year just few minutes after Yar’Adua placed an embargo on 2011 campaign. The father was said to be the reason he is being patronized.
Sunday Sun findings reveal that the Abuja group is only using him as a smokescreen, because, of all the members of the Abuja group, he appears the only one Yar’Adua may not be able to rebuke openly, because of the father.
Senator Kanti Bello
He is the Senate’s Chief Whip. He was in ANPP before crossing over to the PDP towards the build up to the 2007 polls. He used to be a Buhari man, until they went their separate ways owing to irreconcilable differences over party issues. In fact, he claims to have introduced Buhari into politics, a claim Buhari is yet to dispute till date. But for Buhari, he would have flown the ANPP’s flag in Katsina in 2007, and may have ended up giving PDP a headache. He once told Sun Newspapers that he was invited by Yar’Adua to join the PDP. He is not known to be a member of the Abuja group but he is perceived to be Yar’Adua’s man to the core. He is likely to be favourably disposed to supporting Shema.
Senator Ibrahim Ida
He is neither here nor there. He is the Senate committee chairman on Defence. He associates with Shema in the day time and hobnobs with the Abuja group in the dark. He also has Yar’Adua’s eyes. Other members of the Abuja group includes Mutaqqa Rabi, Executive Secretary, Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) and Architect Aminu Yar’Adua, former SSG, who has also been compensated with a federal appointment after his sack by Shema. Rabi’s appointment was influenced by Tura’i shortly after working with her pet project. He was former commissioner for Youth and Social Development under Yar’Adua.
Aminu Bello Masari
He is the former Speaker. But for Yar’Adua, he would have been crowned Katsina governor in 2007. After several failed attempts to reconcile with Yar’Adua after 2007 elections, he has decided to pitch his tent with a group, mainly of Katsina extraction, bent on ensuring that the President does not get a second term.
The Opposition
One of the leading figures is General Mohammed Buhari (rtd), the Presidential candidate of ANPP in 2003 and 2007. If by Buhari’s own admission that a politician could only rig where he was popular, it follows therefore that Buhari and his ilk are not popular in Katsina.
Apart from the ANPP, the AC is also there in Katsina. In fact its National Secretary, Usman Bugaje, is from there. But like the ANPP, it failed to make any impact in 2007. And it is only time that will tell if it will make any in 2011.
Among political watchers, activities ahead of the election are gradually gathering momentum. Politicians across the states have entered into a period of late night meetings and formation of all manner of political cleavages. As is common with the nation’s political culture, not even churches or mosques are spared the ordeal of political activities.
In the recent past, Sunday Sun served you analysts’ perspectives from the South-West, South-East and South-South. Here, Sunday Sun captures events in the North-West, a zone that produced the President, Umaru Yar’Adua.
Katsina State
Katsina is arguably, a centre of what can be regarded as a titanic battle, as 2011 draws near. This is so, not necessarily because President Yar’Adua is from there but because there are strong indications that the battle line appears drawn between the President’s wife, Tura’i and the President himself over whether or not incumbent governor, Ibrahim Shema should have another term.
Yar’Adua ruled the state for eight years and Shema was one of his commissioners. He declined to serve after the end of the first tenure, and opted to return to his flourishing law practice in Kaduna. Many insist that Yar’Adua believed in him and never allowed him to go far. He was sent to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja where he became the Deputy National Chairman of the ruling party.
Ironically, the position was to go to the current Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, before some PDP governors in the North-West moved against it on the grounds that he would be “too difficult” for them to handle. And Shema was pushed forward by Yar’Adua.
Towards the build up to the 2007 elections, Shema never showed interest. While former House Speaker, Aminu Bello Masari thought that his support for third term would give him an easy ride to Katsina Government House, Yar’Adua thought otherwise despite repeated assurance from him.
Instead, Yar’Adua was said to have asked his present Chief Economic Adviser, Tanimu Kurfi, to go ahead and prepare for the plumb job. In fact, Sunday Sun has it on good authority that Tanimu had gone ahead to print posters in readiness for the battle ahead. His dream was however cut short by Katsina stakeholders who told Yar’Adua that if Tanimu was fielded, PDP was going to lose based on reasons that he was not sellable in Katsina.
Foot soldiers were sent to town to confirm the claims by the stakeholders, and the outcome was in tandem with the stakeholders’ position. And that was how reluctant Shema, again came into the picture. The rest as they say is now history. But among those to watch out for in Katsina in 2011, is Tura’i, the President’s wife.
Turai Yar’Adua
She is not a politician but appears to have mastered the game more than those who stand for elective positions every now and then. She has become an influence not only in Abuja but also in Katsina. While as Katsina First lady, she never for once openly identified with partisan politics. She was busy with the promotion of religious discipline among women and children to the extent that she was bestowed with a title of Mujahidat ( one who strives in the course of Allah). The only time she was involved in a real campaign, was during the Presidential elections. And that set the stage for her transformation from a relatively unknown wife of a governor to a “world class” Nigeria’s First lady.
Tura’i is not favourably disposed to Shema continuing beyond 2011. Findings in Katsina by Sunday Sun show that Tura’i is allegedly “in love” with any politician that understands the game the Nigerian way (scratch my back, I scratch yours).
But Shema is seen largely as a “stingy governor,” and one who has refused to open the State’s vault for Katsina politicians. He is believed to be following the foot steps of his predecessor and political godfather, President Yar’Adua. For analysts, it is difficult to believe but except Yar’Adua works hard enough, Tura’i may end up shoving him aside in this very battle of who becomes the Katsina governor in 2011.
President Yar’Adua
He is Nigeria’s number one citizen. He ruled Katsina for eight years before installing Shema as his successor. But he appears not to be in control in Katsina or so it seems. All those currently fighting Shema including Tura’i are supposedly under his control. But since the Katsina PDP crisis broke out, he appears not to have found a solution to it even though Sunday Sun gathered that he is still with Shema. And that at the appropriate time, once a directive is dished out from his end, all would have to obey even if such a directive was against their wish.
Those who share this view are quick to make reference to the role he played when Shema sacked his cousin as SSG.
Sunday Sun learnt that soon after the sack, Katsina people were awash with reports that President Yar’Adua was angry with Shema. It was to the extent that most of his (Yar’Adua) loyalists began to withdraw from Shema. But the former Katsina governor was said to have given them the shock of their lives. On his way to Zamfara to present the party’s flag to Mahmuda Shinkafi, Zamfara governor, he stopped over in Katsina and took the same flight with his godson, Shema to Gusau. That singular action, Sunday Sun learnt forced most of those who were already preparing to dump Shema to beat a retreat, and their lips permanently sealed.
But Yar’Adua needs to do more to show Katsina people that he is still with Shema. Many believe that left for Yar’Adua, he would prefer Shema to continue but his wife thinks otherwise. Give and take, Yar’Adua and his wife would largely determine Shema’s fate, come 2011.
Ibrahim Shema
He is the incumbent governor. If performance is the only yardstick for a second term ticket, Shema should have it on a platter of gold. But in most parts of Nigeria, there are certain other parameters that come into play in deciding the fate of an incumbent who is interested in a second term. He cuts a picture of a good student of the “48 laws of power.” Since becoming governor, he has tried hard enough not to outshine “the master.” He has refused to deliberately build a political structure. He only makes do with the one he inherited. He would have to wait on Yar’Adua to decide his fate.
Alhaji Sayyadi Abba Ruma
He was Yar’Adua’s SSG. He served both as a junior and senior minister under President Obasanjo. He was to come in as Yar’Adua’s Chief of Staff until the equation changed. He has his eyes on the governorship but he cannot face Yar’Adua to make such an intention known. He is alleged to be the arrowhead of Abuja group, which is bent on unseating Shema. Currently a minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources, he is a strong member of Yar’Adua’s kitchen cabinet. But he appears not to be a good disciple of Yar’Adua, especially in terms of being prudent with public fund. Ironically, it is believed that it is one of the strong reasons the first lady is favourably disposed to him.
So, the calculation is that except for those who are used to free money, Katsina people are not likely to be favourably disposed to his candidature. This is so because, as one in charge of Water Resources, he has made little or no effort to complete the on-going dam projects in Katsina, one of which is very dear to Yar’Adua’s heart. As governor, Yar’Adua was always on Obasanjo’s neck over the project. He may have probably put Ruma in charge of that ministry believing that he would surpass the feat of Muktar Shagari, Water Resources minister under Obasanjo. Sokoto people are living testimonies to Shagari’s wonders as a minister in charge of the strategic ministry. Only recently, the President was said to have openly upbraided him for his alleged flamboyant life and poor handling of his ministry’s assignment. Ruma had once accused his predecessor of awarding importation of fertilizer contract to a cabal.
Interestingly, under the former minister, about 14 contractors were involved but under Ruma, only four contractors were involved in the importation. But in spite of all these, Yar’Adua still keeps him, and as such he is also a factor in Katsina politics.
Tanimu Kurfi
He was a commissioner under Yar’Adua in Katsina. He started off in this dispensation as a deputy Chief of Staff, before he was made Chief Economic Adviser to the President. Like Ruma, he is a member of the Yar’Adua’s kitchen cabinet, just as he is also part of the Abuja-based anti-Shema group.
He was once rejected by the Katsina stakeholders when Yar’Adua wanted him to succeed him. For now, he appears not to be showing interest in the race. He can be regarded as a good disciple of Yar’Adua who spends only when it is absolutely necessary to do so.
Senator Lado Garba
He struggles to express himself in English language. He is the Senate committee chairman on Land Transport. Before he got promotion to the Senate, he was a member of the House of Representatives for four years. And for the four years, he never murmured in the Green chamber, let alone made a contribution on the floor of the House. But today, he wants to be governor. In fact, he made the declaration at the Eagle Square venue of the PDP’s National Convention early this year just few minutes after Yar’Adua placed an embargo on 2011 campaign. The father was said to be the reason he is being patronized.
Sunday Sun findings reveal that the Abuja group is only using him as a smokescreen, because, of all the members of the Abuja group, he appears the only one Yar’Adua may not be able to rebuke openly, because of the father.
Senator Kanti Bello
He is the Senate’s Chief Whip. He was in ANPP before crossing over to the PDP towards the build up to the 2007 polls. He used to be a Buhari man, until they went their separate ways owing to irreconcilable differences over party issues. In fact, he claims to have introduced Buhari into politics, a claim Buhari is yet to dispute till date. But for Buhari, he would have flown the ANPP’s flag in Katsina in 2007, and may have ended up giving PDP a headache. He once told Sun Newspapers that he was invited by Yar’Adua to join the PDP. He is not known to be a member of the Abuja group but he is perceived to be Yar’Adua’s man to the core. He is likely to be favourably disposed to supporting Shema.
Senator Ibrahim Ida
He is neither here nor there. He is the Senate committee chairman on Defence. He associates with Shema in the day time and hobnobs with the Abuja group in the dark. He also has Yar’Adua’s eyes. Other members of the Abuja group includes Mutaqqa Rabi, Executive Secretary, Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) and Architect Aminu Yar’Adua, former SSG, who has also been compensated with a federal appointment after his sack by Shema. Rabi’s appointment was influenced by Tura’i shortly after working with her pet project. He was former commissioner for Youth and Social Development under Yar’Adua.
Aminu Bello Masari
He is the former Speaker. But for Yar’Adua, he would have been crowned Katsina governor in 2007. After several failed attempts to reconcile with Yar’Adua after 2007 elections, he has decided to pitch his tent with a group, mainly of Katsina extraction, bent on ensuring that the President does not get a second term.
The Opposition
One of the leading figures is General Mohammed Buhari (rtd), the Presidential candidate of ANPP in 2003 and 2007. If by Buhari’s own admission that a politician could only rig where he was popular, it follows therefore that Buhari and his ilk are not popular in Katsina.
Apart from the ANPP, the AC is also there in Katsina. In fact its National Secretary, Usman Bugaje, is from there. But like the ANPP, it failed to make any impact in 2007. And it is only time that will tell if it will make any in 2011.
Comments
I'm eagerly anticipating the day when I will finally be able to afford a 20 TB harddrive, lol. But for now I guess I will be satisfied with having a 32 gigabyte Micro SD Card in my R4i.
(Submitted using OperaMod for R4i Nintendo DS.)