By Emmanuel Aziken & Luka Binnyat
The possible nomination of the widow of the late governor of Kaduna State, Mrs. Amina Yakowa as the new deputy governor of the state was Monday caught in a web of geopolitical permutations and political horse trading.
The office of deputy governor became vacant following the inauguration of the erstwhile holder of the office, Mukthar Yero as the new governor of the state. The immediate past governor of the state, Patrick Yakowa died in a helicopter crash last Saturday.
Top on the list of those under consideration are Yakowa’s widow, a former deputy director in the Ministry of Defence. She retired from service only after her husband became deputy governor in 2005.
Her possible nomination Vanguard learnt yesterday was already facing stiff opposition from some political stakeholders from Southern Kaduna, who allege that a woman could not have the strength of will to stand up to the political intrigues that shadow politics in Kaduna State.
Opposition to her nomination, Vanguard learnt, is seriously being opposed by some from Southern Kaduna who believe that she would not be able to stand up to represent the interest of Southern Kaduna in government.
Others being mentioned include the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jonathan Asake, Mr. Mark Jacob who is presently a director in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and the chairman of Jema‘a Local Government Area, Mr. Dan Amos.