BELLO AND KADUNA 2019
The 2019 general election is fast approaching. In Kaduna State, the election will be contested between Governor El -Rufai who wants to go for the second time and whoever the opposition PDP fields as their candidate. Unless the party settles for a consensus candidate, the primary election will be keenly contested among the numerous contenders. Before the gale of defections that rocked the ruling All Progressives Congress which witnessed the influx of Isa Ashiru Kudan ,Sulaiman Hunkuyi and host of other to Peoples Democratic Party ,the name of former governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero and Dr Mohammed Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau) prominently featured as the party’s leading aspirants in the forthcoming 2019 election. The defection of some politicians who want to take a shot at the gubernatorial election may likely change the outcome of the party primary.
Notwithstanding the recent defection, the contribution and sacrifice of Dr Mohammed Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau) to the development of PDP should not be overlooked. While PDP was deserted and gasping for breath in Kaduna State, Maina was providing sufficient oxygen for the party to survive. In fact, Maina was the last person standing while other party stalwarts were moving out in numbers to the ruling APC in search of greener pasture. He did not only support the party finan- cially but also spent most of his time meeting with the like minds on how to revive the party. Besides, Dr Mohammed Sani Bello is a force to reckon with in Kaduna State politics. In 2007, Maina contested for governorship on the platform of APP but lost to Alhaji Namadi Sambo of the PDP.
Maina’s experience and hard work endeared him to Namadi Sambo who after winning the election persuaded and appointed him as Commissioner of Science and technology. He brought his experience to bear in transforming science and technology in Kaduna State.The ministry under his watch carried out various projects aimed at placing science and technology education in the front burner of the state’s policies.The numerous achievements recorded during his stint at the ministry had earned the state many awards and commendations both within and outside the country.
In the last three years of Governor El-Rufai’s administration, Kaduna State people have witnessed many anti-people policies. His retrenchment policies have forced thousands of workers out of their jobs, while the local governments are littered with uncompleted projects. Disturbed by lack of development and multi-faceted problems in the state, Dr Sani Bello felt it is high time he threw his hat into the ring and salvage the state from the economic sharks. He needs the support of all. Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State