TheCable

The Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum (SKJF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to appoint a citizen from the zone to fill the state’s ministerial slot.

Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, was nominated by Tinubu to occupy the state’s ministerial slot but the senate withheld his confirmation over security clearance.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bali Ango and Lilian Zubairu, the group’s chairman and secretary, said el-Rufai who was nominated for the ministerial position is from the northern part of the state.

They said giving the state’s ministerial slot to the southern part of the state would ensure inclusivity.

“Currently, Governor Uba Sani is from the northern part of the state, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajjudeen Abbas and Speaker, State Assembly are from the northern part; including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),” the statement reads.

“In spite of these lopsided appointments of principal offices in favour of the northern part of the state, the ministerial position allocated to the state was still reserved for el-Rufai from the northern part.

“It is our conviction, therefore, that since el-Rufai has declined the ministerial position, it is only fair that the slot be given to someone from the southern senatorial zone.

“The candidate could be any competent person from southern Kaduna, irrespective of party, or religious affiliation.”