Speaker: Reps-elect reject endorsements, dare APC

Some members-elect of the 8th House of Representatives have dissociated themselves from the gale of endorsements to elect the speaker of the House. 

Members of the group, mostly of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and some from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the auspices of ‘The New House of Reps Members Forum’, said yesterday in Abuja that despite their respect for party supremacy, they would abide by the provisions of the constitution to elect their leaders.
Convener of the forum Mohammed Mahmud, who was elected to represent Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency of Niger State and Mark Terseer Gbillah who will represent Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency of Benue State, who spoke on behalf of others, said they would resist attempt to foist anyone on them.
“We want to express our displeasure with the current spate of unconfirmed endorsements and rebuttals by supporters of different speakership aspirants on the pages of newspapers and other media. We appreciate the invariable inclination of members to certain aspirants but will like to appeal for all honourable members-elect to show the highest level of decorum and sportsmanship in the hallowed process of election of the speaker and his deputy,” they said.
Quoting the constitution, Gbillah said: “Chapter V, Part I, 50(1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly indicates that, ‘There shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.”
Mahmud on his part commended the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, for statesmanship and respect for constitutional provisions by refusing to get entangled in zoning candidate preference and urged party leaders across board to emulate him.
He also said they are proposing an interactive dialogue/debate between aspirants and members-elect where members would have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with each aspirant and their agenda for the House in line with legislative responsibilities and the desires of Nigerians.

Mixed reactions as Otuoke plans grand reception for President Jonathan mixed-reactions-as-otuoke-plans-grand-reception-for-president-jonathan

It is not clear if President Goodluck Jonathan would eventually retire to the serene university town of Otuoke, his hometown  on May 29, from the Aso Rock Villa, after his official disengagement as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces or once again return to the classroom, his first calling before veering into the murky waters of politics.
What is clear is that he will be returning to a paradox of mixed reactions that is Ogbia Kingdom, where those close to him are fulfilled and others nursing sense of betrayal and abandonment. It is normal in life as no one can please everybody.
It is in the face of this conflicting scenario that some Otuoke indigenes are prepared to roll out their drums to give a rousing welcome to one of their own who, through divine intervention, rose from the neglected backwaters of the Delta to occupy the exalted office of the President of the most populous black country in the world.

President Jonathan’s Otuoke Villa

While some folks are not happy that the state and by extension the Niger Delta region did not benefit from his presidency in terms of infrastructural development, some see his last minute to develop the area as tokenistic. They regret the neglect of the proposed coastal road that would link the littoral states of the South to Epe in Lagos. President Jonathan’s recent award of contracts for the Elebele-Imiringi-Otuoke road, the Igbedi-Amassoma road and Okordia-Zarama-Biseni road have only impressed a few.
Others have argued that in spite of the noticeable flaws of President Goodluck Jonathan not being able to influence mega projects to the region, he deserves a heroic welcome for his courage of conceding defeat even before the conclusion of the collation of the 2015 presidential polls, a trait alien to African leaders, who are in the habit of sitting tight on power.
This singular act, which according to them, prevented the country from drifting into anarchy has proven to the world that something good can come out of Ijaw nation.
But surprisingly, with few days to Dr. Jonathan’s disengagement from office as President and Commander–in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there is nothing fascinating about his ancestral hometown, Otuoke, where he is expected to return.
Though the decision of his government to site the Federal University in his community has changed the once nondescript rural settlement into the most beautiful community in the entire Ogbia Kingdom and the state, the people are still living in darkness and lacking potable water.
Be that as it may, the Bayelsa state government is planning a grand festival to welcome home their national hero. Elsewhere in Otuoke, the town is quiet and devoid of any sign of celebrations.
The Ogbia Brotherhood which could have been the rallying point for the people is divided due to alleged interference of some of the President associates.
Aside the construction workers trying to put some finishing touches on the fencing of the palatial residence of the Jonathans, which also has a chapel for worship, it is just normal business as usual. The Patience Jonathan Square ,venue of the proposed civic reception is yet to be given a facelift.
Most people care less and are indifferent to the coming back of their kinsman. Obviously, nobody is happy with the development, yet the people are grateful for what they have been able to achieve under their son, albeit modest.
Although the people never envisaged a situation where Jonathan will lose the presidential poll, however, having come to terms with the reality, they have since moved on and taken the twist in fate in good faith.
According to a community leader and one time Community Development Committee chairman, Mekunumuni Digha, “the unprecedented transformation of Otuoke from the once sleepy community to an academic environment with the establishment of the Federal University, Otuoke, has affected the standard of life of the people.”
He noted that the people are relishing the transformation of their community.
“The major and famous impact of what Mr President has done for this community is the establishment of the university. The establishment of the university has brought development to us and that is why the people have welcomed it and they are happy.
“Bringing university to a place like this is like bringing light; it creates jobs opportunities and manpower development in every field of human endeavour. Our people can now develop the vast lands that had remained unused over the years as a result of the siting of the university,” he said.
He disclosed that the people were overwhelmed with the siting of the university and therefore made sacrifices to ensure its take off. “The community was very happy with the creation of the university that they donated over 200 hectares of land for the project. They organised a lunching and raised funds to build structures to enable the institution kick off. Most of the structures in the administrative section and permanent site were built and donated to the university by the community”.
The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council, the umbrella body of all Ogbia youths said they are prepared to host their son, President Goodluck to a grand reception as he steps down as Nigeria’s president.
To this end, the youths, he noted, are in high spirits and have fully mobilized the youths and the people to roll out their drums and give the returning president a befitting homecoming.
In a chat with Saturday Vanguard, the National President of the body, Comrade Dazibia Apiri thanked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Nigerians for giving their son the opportunity to serve and lead Nigeria, adding that Jonathan’s administration has added “immense value to all facets of the Nigerian state.
“We the youths of Ogbia kingdom are ready to join Governor Dickson and other Nigerians of good conscience in hosting Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to a grand reception as he transforms from the Nigerian President to Nigeria’s most celebrated statesman.”
He said the departing president has done a lot for the people, citing the Federal University and job opportunities for Ogbia youths, among other several empowerment opportunities. “Today, Ogbia youths can hold their heads high anywhere because of the precedent set by our elder brother and father.
“Above all, his humility and uncommon courage in conceding defeat and for declaring that his ambition does not worth the blood of Nigerians have elevated him above as a statesman, peace ambassador and a hero of democracy,” he said.
In his view, the Otuoke Youths President, Mr John Adueze said the people will forever remain indebted to President Jonathan for all the changes that have occurred in the community.
He said, “I believe that the purpose and intention of God to give us a President is because this place was in dire need of development. That’s why he brought Jonathan to alleviate our plight. There has been a kind of rapid development since he became president, things that we ordinarily would never dream of. We are feeling his impact. He is a role model to us.”
Another senior citizen of Otuoke, Mrs. Azibla, said even though the people are disappointed that their son did not secure a second term, they all have cause to thank God and celebrate their illustrious son for coming home alive in good health, and with his wife.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/mixed-reactions-as-otuoke-plans-grand-reception-for-president-jonathan/#sthash.jGaJaAfY.dpuf

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio, Yenagoa
It is not clear if President Goodluck Jonathan would eventually retire to the serene university town of Otuoke, his hometown  on May 29, from the Aso Rock Villa, after his official disengagement as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces or once again return to the classroom, his first calling before veering into the murky waters of politics.
What is clear is that he will be returning to a paradox of mixed reactions that is Ogbia Kingdom, where those close to him are fulfilled and others nursing sense of betrayal and abandonment. It is normal in life as no one can please everybody.
It is in the face of this conflicting scenario that some Otuoke indigenes are prepared to roll out their drums to give a rousing welcome to one of their own who, through divine intervention, rose from the neglected backwaters of the Delta to occupy the exalted office of the President of the most populous black country in the world.

President Jonathan’s Otuoke Villa

While some folks are not happy that the state and by extension the Niger Delta region did not benefit from his presidency in terms of infrastructural development, some see his last minute to develop the area as tokenistic. They regret the neglect of the proposed coastal road that would link the littoral states of the South to Epe in Lagos. President Jonathan’s recent award of contracts for the Elebele-Imiringi-Otuoke road, the Igbedi-Amassoma road and Okordia-Zarama-Biseni road have only impressed a few.
Others have argued that in spite of the noticeable flaws of President Goodluck Jonathan not being able to influence mega projects to the region, he deserves a heroic welcome for his courage of conceding defeat even before the conclusion of the collation of the 2015 presidential polls, a trait alien to African leaders, who are in the habit of sitting tight on power.
This singular act, which according to them, prevented the country from drifting into anarchy has proven to the world that something good can come out of Ijaw nation.
But surprisingly, with few days to Dr. Jonathan’s disengagement from office as President and Commander–in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there is nothing fascinating about his ancestral hometown, Otuoke, where he is expected to return.
Though the decision of his government to site the Federal University in his community has changed the once nondescript rural settlement into the most beautiful community in the entire Ogbia Kingdom and the state, the people are still living in darkness and lacking potable water.
Be that as it may, the Bayelsa state government is planning a grand festival to welcome home their national hero. Elsewhere in Otuoke, the town is quiet and devoid of any sign of celebrations.
The Ogbia Brotherhood which could have been the rallying point for the people is divided due to alleged interference of some of the President associates.
Aside the construction workers trying to put some finishing touches on the fencing of the palatial residence of the Jonathans, which also has a chapel for worship, it is just normal business as usual. The Patience Jonathan Square ,venue of the proposed civic reception is yet to be given a facelift.
Most people care less and are indifferent to the coming back of their kinsman. Obviously, nobody is happy with the development, yet the people are grateful for what they have been able to achieve under their son, albeit modest.
Although the people never envisaged a situation where Jonathan will lose the presidential poll, however, having come to terms with the reality, they have since moved on and taken the twist in fate in good faith.
According to a community leader and one time Community Development Committee chairman, Mekunumuni Digha, “the unprecedented transformation of Otuoke from the once sleepy community to an academic environment with the establishment of the Federal University, Otuoke, has affected the standard of life of the people.”
He noted that the people are relishing the transformation of their community.
“The major and famous impact of what Mr President has done for this community is the establishment of the university. The establishment of the university has brought development to us and that is why the people have welcomed it and they are happy.
“Bringing university to a place like this is like bringing light; it creates jobs opportunities and manpower development in every field of human endeavour. Our people can now develop the vast lands that had remained unused over the years as a result of the siting of the university,” he said.
He disclosed that the people were overwhelmed with the siting of the university and therefore made sacrifices to ensure its take off. “The community was very happy with the creation of the university that they donated over 200 hectares of land for the project. They organised a lunching and raised funds to build structures to enable the institution kick off. Most of the structures in the administrative section and permanent site were built and donated to the university by the community”.
The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council, the umbrella body of all Ogbia youths said they are prepared to host their son, President Goodluck to a grand reception as he steps down as Nigeria’s president.
To this end, the youths, he noted, are in high spirits and have fully mobilized the youths and the people to roll out their drums and give the returning president a befitting homecoming.
In a chat with Saturday Vanguard, the National President of the body, Comrade Dazibia Apiri thanked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Nigerians for giving their son the opportunity to serve and lead Nigeria, adding that Jonathan’s administration has added “immense value to all facets of the Nigerian state.
“We the youths of Ogbia kingdom are ready to join Governor Dickson and other Nigerians of good conscience in hosting Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to a grand reception as he transforms from the Nigerian President to Nigeria’s most celebrated statesman.”
He said the departing president has done a lot for the people, citing the Federal University and job opportunities for Ogbia youths, among other several empowerment opportunities. “Today, Ogbia youths can hold their heads high anywhere because of the precedent set by our elder brother and father.
“Above all, his humility and uncommon courage in conceding defeat and for declaring that his ambition does not worth the blood of Nigerians have elevated him above as a statesman, peace ambassador and a hero of democracy,” he said.
In his view, the Otuoke Youths President, Mr John Adueze said the people will forever remain indebted to President Jonathan for all the changes that have occurred in the community.
He said, “I believe that the purpose and intention of God to give us a President is because this place was in dire need of development. That’s why he brought Jonathan to alleviate our plight. There has been a kind of rapid development since he became president, things that we ordinarily would never dream of. We are feeling his impact. He is a role model to us.”
Another senior citizen of Otuoke, Mrs. Azibla, said even though the people are disappointed that their son did not secure a second term, they all have cause to thank God and celebrate their illustrious son for coming home alive in good health, and with his wife.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/mixed-reactions-as-otuoke-plans-grand-reception-for-president-jonathan/#sthash.jGaJaAfY.dpuf

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio, Yenagoa
It is not clear if President Goodluck Jonathan would eventually retire to the serene university town of Otuoke, his hometown  on May 29, from the Aso Rock Villa, after his official disengagement as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces or once again return to the classroom, his first calling before veering into the murky waters of politics.
What is clear is that he will be returning to a paradox of mixed reactions that is Ogbia Kingdom, where those close to him are fulfilled and others nursing sense of betrayal and abandonment. It is normal in life as no one can please everybody.
It is in the face of this conflicting scenario that some Otuoke indigenes are prepared to roll out their drums to give a rousing welcome to one of their own who, through divine intervention, rose from the neglected backwaters of the Delta to occupy the exalted office of the President of the most populous black country in the world.

President Jonathan’s Otuoke Villa

While some folks are not happy that the state and by extension the Niger Delta region did not benefit from his presidency in terms of infrastructural development, some see his last minute to develop the area as tokenistic. They regret the neglect of the proposed coastal road that would link the littoral states of the South to Epe in Lagos. President Jonathan’s recent award of contracts for the Elebele-Imiringi-Otuoke road, the Igbedi-Amassoma road and Okordia-Zarama-Biseni road have only impressed a few.
Others have argued that in spite of the noticeable flaws of President Goodluck Jonathan not being able to influence mega projects to the region, he deserves a heroic welcome for his courage of conceding defeat even before the conclusion of the collation of the 2015 presidential polls, a trait alien to African leaders, who are in the habit of sitting tight on power.
This singular act, which according to them, prevented the country from drifting into anarchy has proven to the world that something good can come out of Ijaw nation.
But surprisingly, with few days to Dr. Jonathan’s disengagement from office as President and Commander–in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there is nothing fascinating about his ancestral hometown, Otuoke, where he is expected to return.
Though the decision of his government to site the Federal University in his community has changed the once nondescript rural settlement into the most beautiful community in the entire Ogbia Kingdom and the state, the people are still living in darkness and lacking potable water.
Be that as it may, the Bayelsa state government is planning a grand festival to welcome home their national hero. Elsewhere in Otuoke, the town is quiet and devoid of any sign of celebrations.
The Ogbia Brotherhood which could have been the rallying point for the people is divided due to alleged interference of some of the President associates.
Aside the construction workers trying to put some finishing touches on the fencing of the palatial residence of the Jonathans, which also has a chapel for worship, it is just normal business as usual. The Patience Jonathan Square ,venue of the proposed civic reception is yet to be given a facelift.
Most people care less and are indifferent to the coming back of their kinsman. Obviously, nobody is happy with the development, yet the people are grateful for what they have been able to achieve under their son, albeit modest.
Although the people never envisaged a situation where Jonathan will lose the presidential poll, however, having come to terms with the reality, they have since moved on and taken the twist in fate in good faith.
According to a community leader and one time Community Development Committee chairman, Mekunumuni Digha, “the unprecedented transformation of Otuoke from the once sleepy community to an academic environment with the establishment of the Federal University, Otuoke, has affected the standard of life of the people.”
He noted that the people are relishing the transformation of their community.
“The major and famous impact of what Mr President has done for this community is the establishment of the university. The establishment of the university has brought development to us and that is why the people have welcomed it and they are happy.
“Bringing university to a place like this is like bringing light; it creates jobs opportunities and manpower development in every field of human endeavour. Our people can now develop the vast lands that had remained unused over the years as a result of the siting of the university,” he said.
He disclosed that the people were overwhelmed with the siting of the university and therefore made sacrifices to ensure its take off. “The community was very happy with the creation of the university that they donated over 200 hectares of land for the project. They organised a lunching and raised funds to build structures to enable the institution kick off. Most of the structures in the administrative section and permanent site were built and donated to the university by the community”.
The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council, the umbrella body of all Ogbia youths said they are prepared to host their son, President Goodluck to a grand reception as he steps down as Nigeria’s president.
To this end, the youths, he noted, are in high spirits and have fully mobilized the youths and the people to roll out their drums and give the returning president a befitting homecoming.
In a chat with Saturday Vanguard, the National President of the body, Comrade Dazibia Apiri thanked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Nigerians for giving their son the opportunity to serve and lead Nigeria, adding that Jonathan’s administration has added “immense value to all facets of the Nigerian state.
“We the youths of Ogbia kingdom are ready to join Governor Dickson and other Nigerians of good conscience in hosting Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to a grand reception as he transforms from the Nigerian President to Nigeria’s most celebrated statesman.”
He said the departing president has done a lot for the people, citing the Federal University and job opportunities for Ogbia youths, among other several empowerment opportunities. “Today, Ogbia youths can hold their heads high anywhere because of the precedent set by our elder brother and father.
“Above all, his humility and uncommon courage in conceding defeat and for declaring that his ambition does not worth the blood of Nigerians have elevated him above as a statesman, peace ambassador and a hero of democracy,” he said.
In his view, the Otuoke Youths President, Mr John Adueze said the people will forever remain indebted to President Jonathan for all the changes that have occurred in the community.
He said, “I believe that the purpose and intention of God to give us a President is because this place was in dire need of development. That’s why he brought Jonathan to alleviate our plight. There has been a kind of rapid development since he became president, things that we ordinarily would never dream of. We are feeling his impact. He is a role model to us.”
Another senior citizen of Otuoke, Mrs. Azibla, said even though the people are disappointed that their son did not secure a second term, they all have cause to thank God and celebrate their illustrious son for coming home alive in good health, and with his wife.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/mixed-reactions-as-otuoke-plans-grand-reception-for-president-jonathan/#sthash.jGaJaAfY.dpuf

Kaduna: El Rufai sends signals as clash looms over N2.7billion SURE-P fund

By Abdullahi Garba, Kaduna
Kaduna state governor-elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, a former Minister of the FCT, has always been associated with controversy and barely a week to his inauguration, sections of Kaduna residents are already basking in the euphoria of what they regard as a possible return to sanity and transparency in the business of governance. As May 29 approaches and for a state that is often described as difficult to govern, developments in Kaduna within the week may have given clear indications regarding how El-Rufa’i intends to conduct the affairs of the state.
Members of the APC caucus at the House of Assembly were the first to fire the warning shot when on Friday, May 15, they raised the alarm that outgoing governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero requested the Legislature to approve his decision to disburse the 2014 SURE-P funds for the 23 local government areas, amounting to N2.744 billion.

Mallam El- Rufai

The protesting legislators described the move as suspicious and fraudulent arguing that, “there is no how a local government council can judiciously execute any meaningful projects within two weeks considering the fact that diligent due process and financial regulations have to be followed.”
The lawmakers said that the governor’s request to use 50 per cent of the money to fund a road project within the Kaduna metropolis was not acceptable. Moreover, they argued further that the funds in question had already been indicated in the handing over notes of the outgoing government.
Apparently still agitated over the matter, El-Rufa’i issued a statement on Monday warning that on assumption of office, he would “deal with” all those found to have been involved in the  disbursement of the funds. “Our government will certainly insist on accountability and no one should be in any doubt about our resolve, be it the instigators of any impropriety or those who facilitated and executed it,” El-Rufa’i warned.
By Tuesday, the governor-elect was sure that Yero had actually disbursed the funds even before seeking approval of the House of Assembly, prompting him to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, through the APC transition committee.
I am not controversial
The last may not have been heard of the SURE-P standoff  even as El-Rufa’i has consistently disassociated himself from the controversy tag attached to his person.
It was through his ministerial position that El-Rufa’i became a household name in Nigeria, essentially due to his controversial land and housing reforms at the FCT and the programme earned him the nickname of Mr Demolition with the tag of “Giant.”
His reforms swept through the FCT and environs, affecting the rich and the poor alike and perhaps for the first time, El-Rufa’i reportedly stepped on the toes of some people hitherto considered untouchable in society. Some media reports also describe El-Rufa’i as stubborn. “I am vertically challenged,” El-Rufa’i admitted in in a recent interview because he is actually of comparatively little height.
According to him, “I do not know what you mean by controversial but I have always maintained that I am not controversial. Look at me, I am not big and I am not very strong. Until 1999 when I became the DG of Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), no one had ever heard of me. If I was a controversial person you would have heard of me. I think my fortune or misfortune in public life is that I tend to get the most difficult assignments that every other person is scared of doing. My first real job in government was DG of the BPE and my job was to sell public assets.
That is controversial. It is not El-Rufa’i that was controversial, it was the assignment because people are used to government managing everything. Some of these things are difficult to do and in this country if you want to do the job as written in the books, you are given all sorts of names and tags, controversial is one of them. I am not controversial, I mind my business. But once I am given a job and I agree to do it, I do it with all my heart and as Minister of the FCT which is one of the most difficult jobs, I did my job to the best of my ability. I do not think that the issue is whether I was controversial or not. The question you should ask me is whether I left Abuja better than I met it.”
The Kaduna challenge
If El-Rufa’i considers administering the FCT as one of the most difficult jobs, then managing the affairs of Kaduna may present a greater challenge. Described as a mini Nigeria, Kaduna has well over 50 different ethnic communities each with its distinct language and culture most of which are concentrated in the southern part of the state.
Through out the electioneering campaign, El-Rufa’i also adopted the APC ‘change’ slogan and for the Governor-elect, Kaduna needs the change perhaps more than any other state in the country. Ravaged by several years of ethno-religious conflicts, Kaduna has also become notorious for series of unsolved killings in its communities in both the southern and northern parts. The third most populous state  in Nigeria after Kano and Lagos, with a population of about eight million people, the Muslim Hausa and Fulani dominate the northern population while Christians dominate the southern part.
For several years running, successive administrations in  Kaduna have not been able to find solution to the intractable religious question that has continued to shake the state’s foundation. Perhaps, the bloody Shariah riots in February and May 2000 dealt Kaduna the most devastating blow in its history as residents began to adopt segregated lifestyle in Kaduna metropolis with majority Muslims preferring to reside in the northern part of the city while the Christians consider the southern axis as haven, in terms of security.
But El-Rufa’i has since pledged to return sanity to the area, assuring that, “we are ready to restore the civilised notion of political power as a platform for service, a tool for change and an enabler of order, security, harmony, peace and prosperity. We are committed to fostering a secure, peaceful environment that gives the confidence to all the residents of the state to make the most of their talents.
We intend to work with all communities in Kaduna state without fear or favour. We are  all equal  partners and stakeholders in this state. There will be no discrimination in Kaduna state on the basis of gender, ethnicity or religion.
Appointments and nominations into the incoming cabinet and government will be primarily on the basis of integrity and determined strictly by competence, capacity and capability. We are aware of your justifiably high expectations of our government. We will do our utmost to meet them  but we shall need your patience, sacrifice and support.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/kaduna-el-rufai-sends-signals-as-clash-looms-over-n2-7billion-sure-p-fund/#sthash.R80bE2Ql.dpuf

By Abdullahi Garba, Kaduna
Kaduna state governor-elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, a former Minister of the FCT, has always been associated with controversy and barely a week to his inauguration, sections of Kaduna residents are already basking in the euphoria of what they regard as a possible return to sanity and transparency in the business of governance. As May 29 approaches and for a state that is often described as difficult to govern, developments in Kaduna within the week may have given clear indications regarding how El-Rufa’i intends to conduct the affairs of the state.
Members of the APC caucus at the House of Assembly were the first to fire the warning shot when on Friday, May 15, they raised the alarm that outgoing governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero requested the Legislature to approve his decision to disburse the 2014 SURE-P funds for the 23 local government areas, amounting to N2.744 billion.

Mallam El- Rufai

The protesting legislators described the move as suspicious and fraudulent arguing that, “there is no how a local government council can judiciously execute any meaningful projects within two weeks considering the fact that diligent due process and financial regulations have to be followed.”
The lawmakers said that the governor’s request to use 50 per cent of the money to fund a road project within the Kaduna metropolis was not acceptable. Moreover, they argued further that the funds in question had already been indicated in the handing over notes of the outgoing government.
Apparently still agitated over the matter, El-Rufa’i issued a statement on Monday warning that on assumption of office, he would “deal with” all those found to have been involved in the  disbursement of the funds. “Our government will certainly insist on accountability and no one should be in any doubt about our resolve, be it the instigators of any impropriety or those who facilitated and executed it,” El-Rufa’i warned.
By Tuesday, the governor-elect was sure that Yero had actually disbursed the funds even before seeking approval of the House of Assembly, prompting him to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, through the APC transition committee.
I am not controversial
The last may not have been heard of the SURE-P standoff  even as El-Rufa’i has consistently disassociated himself from the controversy tag attached to his person.
It was through his ministerial position that El-Rufa’i became a household name in Nigeria, essentially due to his controversial land and housing reforms at the FCT and the programme earned him the nickname of Mr Demolition with the tag of “Giant.”
His reforms swept through the FCT and environs, affecting the rich and the poor alike and perhaps for the first time, El-Rufa’i reportedly stepped on the toes of some people hitherto considered untouchable in society. Some media reports also describe El-Rufa’i as stubborn. “I am vertically challenged,” El-Rufa’i admitted in in a recent interview because he is actually of comparatively little height.
According to him, “I do not know what you mean by controversial but I have always maintained that I am not controversial. Look at me, I am not big and I am not very strong. Until 1999 when I became the DG of Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), no one had ever heard of me. If I was a controversial person you would have heard of me. I think my fortune or misfortune in public life is that I tend to get the most difficult assignments that every other person is scared of doing. My first real job in government was DG of the BPE and my job was to sell public assets.
That is controversial. It is not El-Rufa’i that was controversial, it was the assignment because people are used to government managing everything. Some of these things are difficult to do and in this country if you want to do the job as written in the books, you are given all sorts of names and tags, controversial is one of them. I am not controversial, I mind my business. But once I am given a job and I agree to do it, I do it with all my heart and as Minister of the FCT which is one of the most difficult jobs, I did my job to the best of my ability. I do not think that the issue is whether I was controversial or not. The question you should ask me is whether I left Abuja better than I met it.”
The Kaduna challenge
If El-Rufa’i considers administering the FCT as one of the most difficult jobs, then managing the affairs of Kaduna may present a greater challenge. Described as a mini Nigeria, Kaduna has well over 50 different ethnic communities each with its distinct language and culture most of which are concentrated in the southern part of the state.
Through out the electioneering campaign, El-Rufa’i also adopted the APC ‘change’ slogan and for the Governor-elect, Kaduna needs the change perhaps more than any other state in the country. Ravaged by several years of ethno-religious conflicts, Kaduna has also become notorious for series of unsolved killings in its communities in both the southern and northern parts. The third most populous state  in Nigeria after Kano and Lagos, with a population of about eight million people, the Muslim Hausa and Fulani dominate the northern population while Christians dominate the southern part.
For several years running, successive administrations in  Kaduna have not been able to find solution to the intractable religious question that has continued to shake the state’s foundation. Perhaps, the bloody Shariah riots in February and May 2000 dealt Kaduna the most devastating blow in its history as residents began to adopt segregated lifestyle in Kaduna metropolis with majority Muslims preferring to reside in the northern part of the city while the Christians consider the southern axis as haven, in terms of security.
But El-Rufa’i has since pledged to return sanity to the area, assuring that, “we are ready to restore the civilised notion of political power as a platform for service, a tool for change and an enabler of order, security, harmony, peace and prosperity. We are committed to fostering a secure, peaceful environment that gives the confidence to all the residents of the state to make the most of their talents.
We intend to work with all communities in Kaduna state without fear or favour. We are  all equal  partners and stakeholders in this state. There will be no discrimination in Kaduna state on the basis of gender, ethnicity or religion.
Appointments and nominations into the incoming cabinet and government will be primarily on the basis of integrity and determined strictly by competence, capacity and capability. We are aware of your justifiably high expectations of our government. We will do our utmost to meet them  but we shall need your patience, sacrifice and support.”
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/kaduna-el-rufai-sends-signals-as-clash-looms-over-n2-7billion-sure-p-fund/#sthash.R80bE2Ql.dpuf

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