El-Rufai vs Shehu Sani: How Gov’s land, cash gifts tearing supporters apart
(L-R, Gov El-Rufai, his political strategist and some of the beneficiary of the gift)
//Godwin Ekosin, Kaduna, N/w Nigeria//
Apparently, journey to political destination of 2019 has began earnestly across the country and certainly, one of the states to watch is Kaduna due to its impact in Nigerian politics. Many believe that, Kaduna is political archery plant of Nigeria politics.
In what started shortly after the taking and handing over of political offices from People’s Democratic Party to ruling All Progressives Congress in 2015, the going between the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and Senator representing Kaduna zone in red chamber, Shehu Sani has not been a smooth one as expected.
Since then, the political sphere in the state remains troubled especially, when main opposition PDP seems to have gone to bed with their two eyes closed. There have been verbal war between the two estrange birds while their supporters have at one point in time or the other, engage one another in physical shenanigans including attacks on offices and family house.
Of recent, members of Sen Sani Media team who said their closeness to the senator was not for any struggle, but that, they were looking for political recognition and may be to be readiky available for dirty jobs when the time comes.
That was why some of them who were opportuned to meet with first, political adviser to El-Rufai, Uba Sani and subsequent meeting with Governor who allegedly showered them with N200,000 cash and a plot of land each at undisclosed location(s).
Already, some political watchers are saying should this be fact, then due process must have been ignored as transaction took place over rhw weekend when all administrative works would have been in hold.
It was gathered that, the former Senator’s supporters have since switch camp because of the promise of contracts that would follow the cash and land gift.
Sheik Abdulaziz ibn Baaz who benefited from the largess wrote on his Facebook page on 14th January, 2017 that he was only looking for recognition which came to him through the Political adviser to Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani.
Sheik Abdulaziz wrote: With Sumayya Kaduna and 4 others. As I onced said earlier when I was with the Shehu Sani’s camp, all I need is recognition, yesterday we were invited by his Excellency the executive governor of Kaduna state Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and his S.A on politics Mal Uba Sani.”
“It was really a great moment, and we had a fruitful discussion, the governor in his kind gesture forgave all of us for been deceived earlier all in the name of struggle.”
“At last, each and every attendant was given N200,000, a plot of land and a contract. Alhamdu lillahi, later on the governor through his political aide promised to continue financing my Education.”
“Thank you Mallam Nasiru Ahmed El-rufai, Thank you Dr Uba Sani, thank you Kadade Kai Lasting Sai Mai rusau Uba Sani jamuje 2019″.
Now, there has since been public silence over issue. The government of El-Rufai, who is at the centre of the allegation has also remained silence. But then, does it really matter who get what and on what ground?
Politics is a game of chance and opportunity in this part of the world. While some see it as service, others see it as business and they are ready to do anything to remain afloat without necessarily minding whose ox is gored.
Will the dust settle before 2019, or is this the beginning of the beginning? only time will tell.