2023: SOKAPU Insists On Power Shift In Kaduna State
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), has canvassed unanimity in making a very strong case for gubernatorial power shift or rotation in Kaduna State.
This as it declared that the emergence of four gubernatorial candidates from the zone should be seen as logical outcome of the loud outcries for better leadership in general and the horrifying fallout from the El-Rufai maladministration in Kaduna State.
SOKAPU further said that the development should therefore not be viewed negatively talk less of generating panic, stressing that it is an expression of the yearnings for more political space, choice and opportunities as voter confidence in mainstream parties that is already badly shaken.
It said that Southern Kaduna must keep abreast of evolving political trends while plotting its way forward, stressing that Southern Kaduna will not be intimidated by subsisting unfair political arrangements.
These were contained in a statement by the Acting President of SOKAPU, Mr. Awemi Dio Maisamari, who stated that in spite of all odds, the people of Southern Kaduna must do everything necessary to fully utilize the obvious demographic advantages they have.
Maisamari said that a SOKAPU Political Committee was set up in April 2022, saddled with the responsibility of making recommendations on the best political direction for Southern Kaduna come 2023, adding that this was part of the SOKAPU and Southern Kaduna internal mechanism for monitoring, analysing and addressing political issues.
The SOKAPU leader said thi will ensure that the concerns and interests of Southern Kaduna are properly taken care of as well as to promote the equitable overall development of Kaduna state.
In the words of Maisamari; “Consequently, the 2023 elections in general and the Kaduna State gubernatorial elections in particular are being monitored closely. In view of this, SOKAPU members in particular and Southern Kaduna people in general are advised to remain calm as everything is being done to safeguard the genuine interests and aspirations of our people”.
SOKAPU said that its position has become necessary owing to the increased interest of sons of Southern Kaduna to contest for the governorship of Kaduna State come 2023, adding that the increased interest is evidenced by the fact that four indigenes of the area have already emerged.
According to SOKAPU; “The Candidates are; Mr Timothy Adamu of the Action Alliance (AA), Rev Andrew Duya of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Caleb Zagi of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and, Hon. Jonathan Asake of the Labour Party (LP).
“SOKAPU wishes to congratulate these courageous individuals who secured the nominations of their parties after no candidate of Southern Kaduna extraction was able to secure the nomination of any of the two major parties in the country, i.e. the APC and the PDP.
“Every gubernatorial candidate is exercising his constitutional rights to vote and be voted for. SOKAPU respects these rights and maintains a position of neutrality between all of them.
“Therefore we will give a level playing ground to all (including non-Southern Kaduna) candidates.
“Let us overcome scare mongers spreading fear among us to weaken our progressive resolve to pursue justice and equity at all times. Most especially, let us muster the courage and the will to take risks, eschew selfish or micro interests and do the needful in the face of uncertainties. He who waits for certainty will wait forever.
“The stakes in the 2023 elections are particularly high. The competition is also fierce. But we must keep the contest open, fair, decent and brotherly. By all means, we must not allow the ”Phd” (pull him down) syndrome to rear its ugly head. That is what SOKAPU demands from all political players and commentators.
“In conclusion, we thank all individual and group stakeholders in Southern Kaduna who have restrained themselves from making public comments so far. We also commend all those who have bought into the principle of rotation with or power shift to Southern Kaduna.
“We urge our egg heads to articulate seminal ideas and strategies to extricate Southern Kaduna from its disadvantaged position. And we call on our people not to despair but keep faith and be committed to the struggle for a better tomorrow. Southern Kaduna must not disappoint itself, its friends and well-wishers at critical times like this,” it said.
