The Chips Are Down: Shiroro Deserves The Deputy Governorship Slot -By Bello Ibrahim

Primary elections have been concluded across the major political parties, except APC which is still tinkering with the presidential primaries. That notwithstanding, it is safe to conclude that the chips are down and the coast is clear.

The most important decision would be the choice of a running mate among the two most influential political parties in Niger State. Both Kantigi of the PDP and Bago of the APC are grassroots politicians. They are on the ground and admired by the people. The emergence of Bago has subtly redeemed the battered image of APC. Before now, we perceived APC as a platform of clueless and incompetent folks, who have little or nothing good to offer. To many of us, APC is synonymous with killings, corruption, oligarchy, hunger and poverty.

Kantigi will certainly spring surprises, as he won’t be a pushover. The infamous 25 – 0 will never happen with Kantigi. Bago should be ready for a tug of war.

While we rigmarole around who becomes the running mate of the flagbearers, it is imperative we understand “where” is most deserving of this slot. Overwhelmingly, the argument of Federal constituencies’ consideration in ceding political offices subsist, as it is fair and equitable.

In Niger East (B zone), where the Deputy Governor is expected to emerge, between 1999 – 2007, Suleja/Tafa/Gurara federal constituency produced the Deputy Governor of Niger State. Between 2007 – 2015, Chanchaga Federal Constituency produced the Governor of Niger State. It will be unjust to therefore consider Chanchaga or Suleja/Tafa/Gurara for the Deputy Governorship slot.

On the other hand, Bosso/Paikoro and Shiroro/Munya/Rafi federal constituencies have not had a spell on either the Governorship or Deputy Governorship since the return of Democracy in 1999. But current realities will help us make an informed decision that will certainly give an edge at the general election to any political party that allows reason to prevail.

The subsisting reality in PDP is such that, Bosso/Paikoro Federal constituency has the State Chairmanship of the party in their kitty, it, therefore, suffices to conclude that Bosso/Paikoro federal constituency cannot be considered for the Deputy Governorship slot in the PDP. Shiroro/Munya/Rafi federal constituency should therefore produce the next Deputy Gubernatorial candidate of the PDP. Munya has taken the House of Representatives ticket of the PDP and Rafi has the zonal chairman of Niger East of the PDP, it is incumbent on the PDP to pick its running mate from Shiroro local government.

For APC, the current Senator representing Niger East and the flagbearer of the party for 2023 is from Bosso/Paikoro federal constituency. The minister of the federal republic representing Niger State is from Bosso/Paikoro federal constituency. The state secretary of the party is from Bosso/Paikoro federal constituency. Bosso/Paikoro has been the luckiest bride in Niger East since the emergence of APC. It will be unfair as well as an exhibition of ungratefulness for APC to cede Deputy Governorship to the Bosso/Paikoro federal constituency.

Naturally and equitably too, APC has a moral obligation to cede the Deputy Governorship slot to Shiroro/Munya/Rafi federal constituency. Rafi has taken the house of representatives ticket for the Shiroro/Munya/Rafi federal constituency, they are therefore out of the equation. The options for a running mate in the APC are between Shiroro and Munya. But understanding the political configuration of Niger State, Shiroro should be the preferred bride.

While this content narrows the available option to Shiroro, the right person from Shiroro should be considered. Both Bago and Kantigi need a Deputy Governor that understands the nitty-gritty of the Niger State Civil Service, as the civil service is the engine room of our economy and a host to the most dangerous cabals in any government.

As politicians, the only wise decision for the gubernatorial flagbearers will be to pick a running mate with an overdose understanding of the working and thinking of civil servants. That will certainly save the Governor a whole lot of energy trying to understand how government work.