As Governor Idris Wada prepares to forward names of commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly, there is tension in the air, as stakeholders have intensified efforts towards clinching one position or the other. Yekini Jimoh writes.The dissolution of the cabinet by the governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, did not take many people by surprise because it was long expected. However, the motion has been generating ripples in the affairs of the state. The intrigues, suspense and lobbying, which have accompanied the processes, have left many people stunned, as intense lobbying and political calculations have, in fact, overshadowed the governance of the state.For the governor, the processes have, indeed, become challenging. Wada, who had come under serious pressure from both opposition and members of his party, had to do away with all the political office holders appointed by the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. The political demands on Wada became heightened, as politicians and other stakeholders appear to be using all available means to clinch one appointment or the other.According to political observers, the politics of cabinet reshuffle have created tension in the state, considering the fact that Governor Wada, in the bid to get the best hands who would constitute his new cabinet, might, in the end, step on a lot of toes.The Nigerian Tribune findings revealed thatthe scenario playing out had actually made it impossible for the governor to appoint the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), cabinet members and media aides whose services are urgently needed. According to a reliable source, Governor Wada seemed to be getting more pressure from his predecessor in office. It was reported that former Governor Idris was also not leaving anything to chance, as he was said to be working assiduously to retain some of his loyalists in the new administration, contrary to his purported promise that he would give Wada a free hand in the appointment of the new cabinet members.Some political stakeholders,who have since dismissed the former governor's promise of non- involvement in selection of new cabinet members, claimed that the former governor still gets himself involved in the administration of Captain Wada. Alhaji Kabiru Sule, a member of the ruling party in the state, in his report, said there was nothing to suggest that former Governor Idris would allow Wada a free hand in terms of governance of the state. He noted that the former governor was still very much around, putting the present governor in a dilemma, as performing contrary to his predecessor's wishes may be considered as an act of ingratitude, considering the role he (Idris) played in Wada's final emergence.Speculations are rife that Governor Wada may have no choice. In fact, some opinion experts in the state have equally predicted that over 50 per cent of those who served during the Idris-led administration would make it into the new administration.This was, however, debunked by one of the aides of the former governor who said his boss would not interfere in the internal affairs of Wada's administration, including the appointment of key officers of his government. Special Adviser to Captain Idris Wada on Media and Strategy, Jacob Edi, who assured that the new cabinet would soon be constituted, said the governor had taken his time so as to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people. Mr Edi, who could not give a specific time frame for the constitution of the new cabinet, however, said there was no truth in insinuations in some quarters that the new cabinet would be dominated by the recentlydissolved members of the former Governor Idris' cabinet. A human rights activist, Comrade Idris Miliki of the Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (HRCR), in his own view, warned that bringing any of the past political appointees would spell doom for the new administration, adding that this might, in fact, cripple the Wada-led government.In the meantime, there is no gainsaying that the lobbying from different quarters has ensured that Governor Wada's house has now become a Mecca of sort. Feelers gathered revealed that some politicians, who felt they were not getting the right answers, have turned to Wada's father, Pa Ejiga, who was said to have a high level of control over his son. As at the last count, no fewer than 100 nameshave been submitted for various political appointments from across the 21 local government areas of the state. Investigations conducted by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that twoout of the former commissioners are most likely to make the new list. They are Mr Sule Muhammed, former Commissioner for Environment and Physical Development andProfessor Aaron Baba, former Commissioner for Science and Technology. These former commissioners, according to findings, were said to fit into the aspirations of the present government. They were also said to have displayed a high level of professionalism in their chosen professions in the last administration. It is however not clear if they would be given a higher responsibility or they would still be retained as commissioners.But some people still believe that the governor has the final say. Wada, at different fora in the past, had said that the appointment of commissioners would not be business as usual, adding that people who would make the list must possess the basic qualifications for such positions. Unlike what happened in the last dispensation where unqualified people dominated the government, Wada said those who would be appointed as commissioners must be graduates of high standing with requisite years of experience.It is also no longer news that the issue of who becomes the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is tearing the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District apart. Over 10 people have already signified their intention to clinch the plump position. From Ogori/ Magongo, there are the likes of Mr Vincent Aiyedun, Bode Ogunmola and Chief Matthew Keyi. From Ajaokuta, we have Moses Ado Okino, while Mr Muhammed Sule came as a lone contender from Adayo. Honourable Abdulkarim Salihu, a two-time member of the House of Representatives and Honourable Suberu Adagu, former chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, were also said to be in the race for the SSG post, both from Okehi Local Government Area.A political figure from Okene, who would not want his name in print, said the position of the SSG required an experienced and calm person. According to him, the fight is just between four persons. He listed them to include Chief Moses Ado Okino, Mr Muhammed Sule, Honourable A.K Salihu and Honourable Bode Ogunmola. Incidentally, while Mr Okino and Honourable Salihu were former members of the National Assembly, Mr Sule and Ogunmola were also members of the State Executive Council (SEC) at various times.Information reaching the Nigerian Tribune on the issue of SSG is that Honourable Moses Ado Okino from Ajaokuta Local Government Area and Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) from Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area are likely to be appointed. The lobbying has also been extended to the quarters of the members of the state Assembly, who are also believed to have a say on who becomes a commissioner, particularly fromtheir immediate constituencies. Presently, those who are likely to make the list, according to feelers gathered, include Honourable Duro Meseko from Kabba Bunu; S.K Adedoyin; Ijumu; Barrister Bola Fagbola, Yagba East; Dr Tunde Arosanyi and Mr Tunde Olusunle, former Special Adviser to ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo. From Ibaji, there is a former deputy speaker who is likely to make the list. It was also gathered that a former chairman and a one-time senator-elect are expected to be part of the new group. From the former governor's home, it was also gathered that Alhaji Aliu Ajuh, a former chairman of Omala Local Government Area and Ambassador Isaac Onuh would be among the lucky ones, while Mr Puke remains one of the commissioner hopefuls from Ajaokuta Local Government Area.The question is, would Governor Wada be able to do away with the godfather syndrome which characterised previous administrations in the state' Much is yet to be seen to suggest any significant difference from the past. However, the next few weeks would determine how resolute the governor is in terms of decision-making.
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