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Political elements in the North have continued to map out strategies to ensure that the region is not shortchanged in the event that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan becomes the substantive President.

A group of Northern intellectuals and professionals met in Abuja yesterday and resolved to push the candidacy of General T.Y. Danjuma as Vice-President to Jonathan should the Acting President become substantive President.

Northern elements are said to have canvassed that the region is entitled to eight years just like the South, which had done eight years under President Olusegun Obasanjo, and as such, if President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua cannot continue in office on account of his ill-health, the North should have its remaining one term by 2011.

Those in attendance at the meeting held at a secret location in Abuja, included Ahmed Joda, Mamman Daura, Adamu Fika, Mahmud Tukur, Abba Kyari, Mohammed Haruna, Adamu Adamu, Nuhu Sani Zango, Rufai Jumar Jose and Wada Maida.

None of those who attended the meeting was ready to speak on record about the meeting.

THISDAY learnt that key among the reasons they adduced for putting forward Danjuma are the fact that he seems to be a non-ambitious politician and not interested in 2011 and as such can help to guarantee a level playing field in the 2011 election.

They also said as a retired General who enjoys tremendous respect in the military, Danjuma can help stabilise the army and ward off military intervention in politics.

The issue of Christian/ Christian pairing, Jonathan and Danjuma being Christians, came up at the meeting but the issue was dismissed as some of those in attendance counter argued with the cases of Yakubu Gowon/ Joseph Akinwale Wey who were both Christians, Muhammadu Buhari/ Tunde Idiagbon who were both Muslims and also MKO Abiola/Babagana Kingibe who were also both Muslims.

“The North cannot afford to be short-changed in the scheme of things in the build-up to 2011. We feel that there is a need to have a Northerner who is not ambitious and has a strong personality to help in steering the ship of the state in the event that Jonathan becomes substantive president,” said one of the Northern intellectuals.

THISDAY also learnt that the intellectuals and professionals are already in discussion with Danjuma. It is not certain if they discussed the health and fitness of Danjuma to take on such a rigorous role.

One of the former super permanent secretaries, Joda is a seasoned technocrat and boardroom guru. Now in his 80s, his contributions to public discourse are often seen as insightful and mature.

Daura, ex-Editor and former Managing Director of the New Nigerian Newspapers, has played prominent roles in Nigeria’s political development by serving on critical national committees.

The Wazirin Fika rose to the pinnacle of public service when he became the Head of Service (HoS) during the Babangida era. He is a passionate defender of Northern interests.

Mahmud Tukur

Tukur, a former Minister, was the first Principal (later becoming Vice-Chancellor) of the then Bayero University College (now Bayero University, Kano). He is generally seen as one of the most vocal policy advocates in Northern Nigeria.

Though he served as MD of UBA only for a brief period, most people still remember this boardroom player fondly. He is currently on the board of several blue chip companies.

Mohammed Haruna

Haruna is one of the most widely read columnists in the country. His opinions are often used as reference points in public discourse whether one is on his side or not.

Adamu Adamu

Also a popular columnist from the North, Adamu is an unabashed defender of Northern interests.

Wada Maida

Maida served as Chief Press Secretary to a former Head of State in the 80s before going on to become MD of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Though his voice is rarely heard, his contributions to national discourse are often measured and deep.