Between idealism and political sensitivity

There is, however, a difference between competence, wisdom and good judgment. As an elected leader, El-Rufai must demonstrate a remarkable degree of sensitivity in his appointments. His appointments of non-indigenes as advisers into positions for which the people Kaduna state have eminently qualified individuals are causing resentments among the voters. In particular, his appointment of […]

There is, however, a difference between competence, wisdom and good judgment. As an elected leader, El-Rufai must demonstrate a remarkable degree of sensitivity in his appointments. His appointments of non-indigenes as advisers into positions for which the people Kaduna state have eminently qualified individuals are causing resentments among the voters.
In particular, his appointment of Jimi Lawal, Muyiwa Adekeye  and other non-indigenes into key positions is an insult to the voters of Kaduna State who rejected an incumbent, former Governor Ramalan Yero, to put him (El-Rufai) into office. In an ideal situation, there would have been no problem with the appointment of non-indigenes into key positions.
The governor should not forget the fact that the slogan of Kaduna State is “Centre of Learning”, while that of Zaria goes is “Zaria Garin Ilimi” for which on the same token he sprang just like the many that also pride themselves with dynamic ideas that transform a state as beautiful, complex but historical as Kaduna.
However, the reality is that political appointments affect people’s sensibilities, and no democratic leader should ignore such sentiments. There are many eminently qualified indigenes of Kaduna State capable of handling any job to move the state forward. With the appointment of Lawal and other non-indigenes into his cabinet, he is literally passing a verdict of no confidence on his own people, the very ones who gave him the mandate to be in the Government House today.
Of course, there is no problem with the elevation of competence above sentiments. But such argument has major flaws. For example, does the appointment of non-indigenes into key positions suggest that the people of Kaduna State are so thoroughly incompetent to deserve to be appointed into such jobs?
El-Rufai’s idealism is misguided. Former Governor Fashola of Lagos State is competent in his own right, just like El-Rufai. It is, however, highly unlikely that Fashola would have contemplated the idea of appointing Kaduna State indigenes as his advisers and even if he would, Kaduna has abundance of educated citizens. Whatever may be the good intentions of El-Rufai in defying the feelings of his people, his political appointments of non-indigenes is very wrong and short-sighted and he has grievously hurt the voters of Kaduna State.
Reversal or whatever one classify it should be the best thing to do to maintain the degree of support,sympathy and love that majority of the people have for MALAM NASIRU and consider the option of confiding in “your own same way  your own “ did in electing you into office to achieve the desired result.
Zaria wrote in from Kaduna, Kaduna State ([email protected])