The senator representing Kaduna Central senatorial district, Sen. Shehu Sani, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to clear the air on his alleged involvement in the decision of Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai to choose a Muslim running mate for the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state.
A lot of criticism has trailed el-Rufai’s choice of Hadiza Balarabe, with many notable persons, including Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, describing the Muslim/Muslim ticket as insensitive in a violent-prone, multi-religious state like Kaduna.
But defending his decision on Tuesday, el-Rufai disclosed that he informed Buhari before choosing Ms. Balarabe.
Addressing some leaders from Sanga LGA of Balarabe at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, in Kaduna, the governor said, “About a year ago, the Deputy Governor, Barnabas Bala, told me that he was going to contest the senatorial election, I was in a dilemma to get a replacement for him.
“So, we started with a list of people for consideration, and I had up to 32 names, including the names of some people seated with me here today.
“Then, we started selection and dropping names based on merit. From 32 names to 17 to 12 and then five, three males and two females.
“At that point, and as usual of us, when we are taking serious decisions, we consult President Muhammadu Buhari, because he is the only person I know that has worked in the army, he has been Governor, Minister and President.
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“So, when I told him, he said anyone older than me should be dropped. Then one name was dropped, remaining two men and two women, then he said ‘since you are interested in a woman, pick the best woman’. That was how I picked Hadiza, because she was the best.”
Reacting, Sani said the president must react to clear his name since he always appointed a Christian running mate during his four attempts at the presidency.
Sani, who took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, said, “President’s name is dragged into the politics of manipulation of religion in Kaduna state, there’s the need for him to make a public clarification. It’s puzzling that a President who has always respected religious sensitivities, when nominating his vice could have recommended otherwise for Kaduna.”
See tweet:
Prez name is dragged into the politics of manipulation of religion in KD state,there’s the need for him to make a public clarification.Its puzzling that a Prez who has always respected religious sensitivities, when nominating his vice could have recommended otherwise for Kaduna.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) November 14, 2018
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