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Kaduna Governor Gives Reasons He Chose Hadiza Balarabe As His Running Mate

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Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State has cited competence and impressive antecedent as the reasons he chose Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate for the 2019 election.

The governor made this reason known when he received the people of Sanga local government at the Government House, Kaduna on Tuesday.

The People of Sanga Local government paid the governor a visit to appreciate him for picking their daughter as his running mate.

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Narrating the journey that led to the choice of Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Governor El-Rufai said, “About a year ago, the Deputy Governor, Architect Barnabas Yusuf Bala told me he was going to contest for Senate, I was in dilemma to get a replacement for Architect Bantex.

“So, we started piling list of people for consideration, and I had up to 32 names, including names of some people seated with me here today.

“Then, we started selection and dropping of names based on merit. From 32 names to 17 to 12 and then 5 names, three males and two females.”

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Explaining how he tried to get in touch with Balarabe, the governor said the next challenge for him was how to get Dr. Balarabe’s number and that it was his third wife that gave it to him after he made some calls.

“When I called her, she said she was in Kenya, I told her that she will be my running mate in the 2019 elections and I asked her whether she accepts.

“She did not give an answer immediately, but called me back after some minutes and said she accepted,” the governor explained.

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The governor praised Balarabe’s achievement as he noted her remarkable impact as the Executive Secretary of the primary healthcare development agency.

The traditional ruler of Numana, Etu Numana, Brigadier-General Aliyu Yamma (Rtd), speaking on behalf of the community, said that the successive government had forgotten the people of the area as far as participation in government was concerned.

The traditional ruler noted, “The governor couldn’t have made a better choice than the selection of Hadiza. We now feel a sense of belonging in Kaduna government. We are just like black Americans in Kaduna State.”

He further implored the government to facilitate the establishment of Army Battalion in Sabo Gida village area of the local government because of insecurity in the area.

“Sabo Gida has become a hideout for criminals, these criminals run from Plateau State to hide here, so we are calling on the governor to help us with the establishment of Army Battalion in Sabo Gida.” he added.