Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that the issue of power shift is purely a political parties’ affair and not the prerogative of state governors.
Ganduje made the statement while speaking to newsmen at Government House, Kano.
He said it is only political parties that can decide where a candidate can contest an election from and the governors.
It would be recalled that in recent times there has been a difference in line of thoughts between state governors on issues of power shift, open grazing and Value-added Tax (VAT).
He described the ongoing power shift rift between the Northern and Southern governors over the 2023 election as an unhealthy development that is heating up the polity as such all means should be deployed to settle the differences.
He called on the governors to resolve the differences, apologise to each other and forge ahead, stressing that the unity of the country should be Paramount to all Nigerians.
Also Read: Make Nigeria’s Unity Paramount- Governor Ganduje
“The current disagreement between the northern and southern governors is unfortunate and it is not necessary.
“I will like to use this opportunity to call on the governors, the elite, religious and traditional leaders and all Nigerians to come together and be united, and ensure our unity grows from strength to strength.
“The governors were elected not to divide Nigeria but to keep Nigeria one for progress and development. It is unfortunate that the two divides are exchanging uncomplimentary languages to each other; this is not civilised and is most unfortunate.
“I call on the chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF), Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, to convene a meeting where all the governors will apologise to one another and reconcile for the peace of the country,” Ganduje said.
He said the issue of power shift causing disharmony amongst the Governors is not constitutional but an acceptable political strategy to win elections.
“The constitution did not mention that power shall shift from north to south, but it has been a tradition by political parties in Nigeria to zone the presidency. And zoning is a strategy by political parties to win elections.
“If you think power shift will bring you votes to win elections, you have not offended the constitution. If you think you can retain the leadership of this country forever and win elections, the constitution is not offensive. So, I think this issue should be left to political parties to resolve. Not we governors to have two opposing groups,” he said.
Zainab Sa’id
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