BY ACHADU GABRIEL, Kaduna
As push for Kaduna State’s ministerial slot hots up, a group, the All Progressive Congress (APC) Patriots, Northern Kaduna axis has thrown their weight behind Dr. Abdulmalik Muhammed Durunguwa from Southern Kaduna to be considered for the position.
The APC Patriots described Dr. Durunguwa as a personality who is exceptionally versatile, accomplished and tested in all spheres of his political activities, body language and therefore declared him as the most capable and fit person for the minister to represent the state.
In a statement, Tuesday, co-signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Musbahu Adamu Gimi and Malam Nasir M. Dahir Soba, the group recalled that the ministerial slot vacuum created in Kaduna State as a result of withdrawal by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai has been generating unprecedented reactions from several quarters.
The APC Patriot expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu, will continue to prioritise competence and professionalism as the search for who fills the state’s slot continues.
“In pedigree, Durunguwa has carved a niche for himself in the political and personal firmament of Kaduna State politics in particular, and Nigeria, in general,” the statement noted.
It further disclosed that Dr. Durunguwa has equally garnered exceptional and rare pedigree in human relation engagements, grassroots involvement, and noted his contributions and sacrifice during the electioneering campaign leading to the victory of President Tinubu and Senator Uba Sani as governor of Kaduna State.
“Surprisingly, it might sound absurd for people to liken our decision to support a Southern- Kaduna indigene for the Position of a Minister of the Federal Republic instead of someone from northern part of Kaduna.
“Squarely and fairly, the Southern Kaduna has not had the opportunity of producing a Minister for over 8 years. However, in the spirit of inclusiveness and common destiny coupled with shared degree of togetherness, we will not oversee or overlook competence for trivial ethic considerations.
The group expressed optimism that when eventually nominated, Durunguwa will definitely match his words with his actions in the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu-led administration.