Niger: Nupes demand governor’s seat

The Nupes in Niger State are agitating for a position to ensure that they get their required democratic dividends just as they demanded that emergence of gubernatorial candidates for the 2015 elections be based on majority and not on zoning as practiced in the state.
At a Summit of Stakeholders from Nupeland, organized by the Community Association for Grassroots Transformation, held in Bida, Niger State over the weekend, most of the speakers insisted that the zoning formula being practiced in the state is outdated and as the majority ethnic group in the state, they should have a say.
The Chairman of the Association, Mallam Dagaci Muhammad, the Etsu Agaie, said that the summit was organised to reposition Nupeland and ensure that it is in a position to get its democratic dividends.
According to Mohammed: “The majority of the Nupes are in Niger State and we want to build a good social capital base and reposition Nupeland for development.”
He further stated that the Nupes are currently working towards fortifying their political capital, saying that the ingredients are there and that all that is needed is the necessary mixing.
He said the mixing would be done soon.
Also speaking at the summit, a Chieftain of the association, Engineer Muhammad Kailani, alleged that the Nupes have been sidelined with the emergence of the gentleman agreement of zoning in the state.
Kailani said that all over the world, majority is usually a dominant factor and the Nupes will not be an exception.
He said: “What we are doing is to ensure that the Nupes are carried along.
“We will be united and we will ensure that henceforth in Niger State, majority carries the vote.
“That is what democracy is all about.
“We want a situation where the majority group are selected for governorship and not allowing us to be sidelined by the minority.”
Kailani further said that the zoning formula is no more being followed at the national level, wondering why the state still insists on it in the selection of elective and appointed officials.
In his address, the Chairman of the summit, who is also the Chairman of Nupe Foundation, retired General Idris Garba, emphasized on the importance of the summit, adding that it would contribute to the welfare of the Nupe people.
According to Garba, the summit would provide a way for the people to escape from poverty and under development, commending CAGAT for initiating moves that would improve the lot of Nupeland and champion the cause of Nupe in culture awareness, economic development and political awareness.
The Summit was attended by elites, technocrats, industrialists, elders and prominent sons and daughters of Nupeland from Niger, Kogi and Kwara States.