Confusion Over Power Sharing As Jonathan Considers Minor Changes Confusion Over power Sharing As Jonathan Considers Minor Changes

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have been divided over power sharing at the centre, it was learnt yesterday.
But President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to resolve the controversy within the next two weeks after consultations.
There were strong indications that the President may make minor changes in the　 power sharing formula.
The National Assembly leadership is however insisting on the retention of its power sharing outlook.
Some leaders of the party are said to be pushing for a new power sharing formula. Many leaders are prevailing on the President to leave the structure as it is now.
It was, however, learnt that the President may effect minor changes following likely exit of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed(North-East) and the 　retirement of the Head of Service, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi in September.
A source, who spoke in confidence with The Nation, said: "There is so much tension over the power sharing formula but within the next two weeks, the President will begin consultations with PDP and stakeholders from the six geo-political zones.
"As a matter of fact, the poor showing of the PDP in the Southwest and the loss of election by Speaker Dimeji Bankole have affected the power sharing outlook.
"Also, the performance of some geo-political zones during the just –concluded elections 　and commitments made by the President during electioneering are also factors being taken 　into consideration.
"The challenge is whether to change the entire power sharing formula or effect minor changes.
"With the tension over power sharing formula, the President may end up with minor changes."
The source said there are two proposals before the President and they border on the antecedents since 1999 and the necessity which the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua brought upon the nation.
The first proposed power sharing formula is based on the existing structure which is as follows: President(South-South); Vice-President(North-West); Senate President(North-Central); Deputy Senate President(South-East); Speaker(South-West); Deputy Speaker(North-East); SGF(North-East) and Head of Service(South-West).
The second proposal which is a fall-out of power sharing since 1999 is as follows: President(South-South); Vice-President(North-West); Senate President(North-Central); Deputy Senate President(South-West); Speaker(South-East); Deputy Speaker(North-West); SGF(South-West) and Head of Service(North-East).
It was gathered that the power game is more pronounced in the National Assembly where the President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, is being supported by party leaders to return to office.
Another source added: "The battle for the Senate Presidency is a key issue in the power sharing formula but the President and party leadership will　 determine that after consultations.
"Already, an outgoing governor from the North has started mobilising to unseat Mark. Although he is a first time　 Senator, he said there is no rule preventing him from being the Senate President.
"Most of the old Senators who are pro-Mark yesterday held another round of meeting to prevent an outgoing governor from the North-east from unseating the Senate President.
"To beat the outgoing governor to the game, a proposal is already being made to enable the Northeast to　 produce the next Head of Service. That is why a tested technocrat, who is the Permanent Secretary, 　Federal Ministry of Finance, 　Mr. Danladi Kifasi, is being tipped for the job."
Replying a question, the source said: "The handwriting is clear that Jonathan may not reappoint Yayale because of division within the PDP in Bauchi State .
"Some forces in government also alleged that Yayale has paid his dues and should be allowed to have a well-deserved rest from public service."
A retired Permanent Secretary however said that there is no hard and fast rule to the application of zoning in sharing key offices as long as the President could earn the confidence of the stakeholders in the six geo-political zones.
He alleged that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo altered the zoning arrangement while in office especially as regards the office of the Head of Service.
He said Obasanjo insisted on merit rather than zoning to appoint HOS.

"What is important is the ability of the President to carry all the geopolitical zones along.

"As for the office of the Head of Service, changes were made with the ouster of Abu Obe(North-central)as HOS and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo broke the arrangement because he wanted Yayale(Northeast) as the Head of Service and there was no strong Permanent Secretary from the North-Central to take over from Obe.
"The arrangement was also jettisoned during the administration of the late President Yar’Adua, 　with the retirement of Mrs. Ebele Okeke(South-East) and appointment of Ms Ama Pepple (Southsouth) with the influence of Yayale. The appointment of a former Head of Service, Mr. Steve Oronsaye (Southsouth) was also not in line with the zoning arrangement agreed upon in 2007.
Culled from THE NATION NEWSPAPER."