2019: Two Northern governors reconcile with rivals
From Nasir Dambatta, in Abuja
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Governor of Adamawa State, Jibrilla Bindow and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno have reconciled with their main rivals – Ahmed Gulak and Ali Modu Sheriff respectively.
Gulak was at Government House in Yola recently on a courtesy visit, ending years of political bickering between the two gladiators of Northeast politics. A few days ago, Governor Bindow also openly asked party leaders in the State to forgive him for whatever wrong he would have done to them. Pundits also hailed Bindow’s gesture of extending the olive branch to his political rivals, variously describing it as legendary.
Borno State’s Governor Kashim Shettima has also reportedly reconciled with arch-rival, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff. The two APC chieftains declared ceasefire in Abuja two days ago in the presence of two prominent Nigerians, namely Alhaji Abba Kyari and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe among others.
Political analysts also told Politics Today that they are hopeful that the prolonged political rivalry between Kano State’s Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would also end soon. Those nursing the hope of truce in Kano State noted that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso unconditionally endorsed Governor Ganduje’s World Bank loan application of $400 million.
Adamawa and Borno State governors have been commended by a cross-section of respondents, for blazing the trail in bringing an end to the politics of bitterness and signposting a more cordial relationship between gladiators of the ruling party, as 2019 elections draw nearer.
