Taraba Logjam: Different Strokes For Different Folks SINCE the return of democratic governance in the country in 1999, Nigerians have witnessed something similar to the ongoing political braggadocio in Taraba State, though under different circumstances. But in all of them superior argument, wisdom, morality, constitutionality and peoples’ wish prevailed. In 1999, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a Muslim was elected governor of Adamawa State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside his running mate, Mr. Boni Haruna, who is a Christian. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who later emerged the presidential candidate of the PDP picked Atiku as his running mate despite the fact that Atiku was already the governor-elect for Adamawa State. Atiku accepted the offer and became the vice-president of the country after Obasanjo won the presidential election. The development paved way for Atiku’s deputy, Haruna to automatically assume the position of the governor of the state in 1999. Some people who felt disenchanted with the development approached the court to challenge Haruna’s elevation to position of the state governor. Court declared Haruna’s position constitutional and legal. That was how Haruna, a Christian became governor of Adamawa for two terms between 1999-2007 without anybody raising an eyebrow again. Haruna is today Minister of Youth Development. At the peak of President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua’s ill-health saga, some cabal in the corridor of power used the opportunity to hijack the machinery of governance and tried to frustrate the then Vice-President now President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from taking over the mantle of leadership. For months Yar’ Adua was critically ill, but the cabal shielded him from Nigerians, while running the country as they like. At a stage, the country was at a crossroads and the people were in a fix. It took protest, demonstration, public outrage and the intervention of the National Assembly through the adoption of the Doctrine Of Necessity to resolve the imbroglio. Jonathan was made Acting President and was later sworn-in as substantive President following President Yar’ Adua’ s demise in May 2010. President Jonathan contested the 2011 presidential election and won amidst stiff opposition from some Northern leaders that the region had not completed their eight years. Ahead of the next year presidential election, there has been a rash of endorsements on President Jonathan as the sole candidate of PDP in the election. Besides, President Jonathan’s choice of the then governor of Kaduna State, Arch. Namadi Sambo as his vice- president in 2010 created way for Sambo’s deputy, Mr. Patrick Yakowa, now late from Southern Kaduna to become the first Christian to occupy that position in the state. A feat not many religious fanatics believed was possible in the state before then. Yakowa contested the 2011 governorship election and won it. He has been sworn in before his controversial death in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State. With this tragic incident, Yakowa’s deputy and former Commissioner of Finance in the State, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, a Muslim was sworn in as the governor of the state. Since then the heaven has not fallen. In the case of Taraba State, some forces seem to be hell-bent on thwarting the tide by all means, without minding whose ox is gored. Acting Governor Garba Umar, formerly a Jos- based businessman was nominated by Governor Suntai as a replacement for his impeached deputy, Alhaji Sani Abubakar in October 2012. It was disclosed that Umar never lobbied for the position, but was picked by Suntai against the wish of other major political stakeholders in the state. Umar was sworn in on October 5, 2012 and on October 25, Suntai was involved in a plane crash. For almost two years now, it is becoming obvious to Nigerians that despite the scheming and plot by the cabal behind Suntai, the ailing governor is yet to recover fully to assume office. The question is how long will the cabal hold the state to ransom, and why are they afraid of Umar becoming the governor of the state? What is Umar’s offence and why the stereotyping? Is Umar not a citizen of the state irrespective of his religious background? When has religion become a requirement to seek elective position? What is the difference between Umar’s case and others before him? If Suntai has truly recovered as the cabal would want Nigerians to believe, why are they shielding him from the public? The unfolding political drama in Taraba State calls for urgent resolution ahead of 2015 polls for it looks like a time bomb waiting to explode. - Cover Story of Guardian Newspaper Follow Us On Twitter @Taraba_In_Focus
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:39:29 +0000
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