By Amos Tauna
All Progressive Congress (APC) Akida faction in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, has passed a vote of no confidence on Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai following what the group describe as leadership failure in the state.
The faction noted that there was lack of leadership tolerance and consultation with critical stakeholders at all levels on matters relating to party members and the welfare of the people of the state.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, Monday through its factional party Chairman, Tom Mataimaki, the party said, “The governor’s policies have put the APC on a cliff running up to 2019, when we have to give our account of stewardship to our people.
“What will be our score card? Destruction of community peace or mortgaging the future of our children whose state of education and development is hitting its worst level.
“The state is walking into another circle of crises, attack on traditional Institutions who have sustained our sense of community for ages from pre-colonial days.”
The group however decried the governor’s assault on the traditional rulers taking together with many of anti-people policies of administration capable of throwing the state into another round of crises that spiral into unimaginable destruction of community cohesion.
The Chairman added, “Kaduna state should be prepared for the worst is yet to come. Available information beyond the sacking of the 313 district heads and 4,453 villages heads, other civil servants including local government staff, teachers and other professionals have been lined up for dismissal.
“What this government knows to do best is lies, even at the risk of destroying government’s own image. The governor has so much energy –fighting to destroy his own party that brought him to power.
“The governor has no regard for public or responsible opinion and in his paranoid wisdom, he does not believe anybody has value.”
The APC Akida maintained, “The situation we are facing today calls for critical reflection. We believe for the remaining life of this administration, we should address our attention to building the confidence of our communities, and secure a great future for our children.
“We support the court processes in restraining sacking of the traditional rulers which is the civilized approach to resolving these issues.”
But in a reaction, spokesman of the governor, Samuel Aruwan says, the decision of government to restructure the district was aimed at reducing cost of governance.
He however criticised the position of the APC faction, “As you will recall, we have provided a robust response to the frustrations of the so-called Kaduna Restoration Group. The same response holds good for Tom Maiyashi and his factional ilk, who think that nothing can or should happen in this state except they say so.
“There is nothing new in what he said. Kaduna State is moving forward, whether the frustrated and the greedy elite like it or not. We acknowledge that the personal economic crisis of some of this elite is what they are disguising as political commentary.
“Even those who always condemned and displayed disrespect to our traditional institutions and religion, are now pretending to be their champions.
“The government is aware of funny games being played regarding the return to 77 districts. We have letters from some of the former district heads who are alleged to have sued the government dissociating themselves from the litigation.
“The government has consulted, made its decision and has already implemented it. Districts have been restructured in the better, longer-term interest of Kaduna State. Those who are concerned have already applied for appointment as District Heads. There is no need for all the baseless scare mongering.”