Sacked for ‘corruption’, ex-NEMA DG joins Kaduna guber race

Muhammad Sani Sidi, former director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has joined the gubernatorial race in Kaduna.

Sidi, who was sacked for alleged corrupt practices, on Tuesday submitted his letter of intent to the state executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna.

“I consider the warm reception you have accorded me and my supporters here as an honour and a rare privilege, considering the short notice I gave you in the midst of your very busy schedules,” the former NEMA DG said.

“I remain forever grateful for the honour and privilege

“I am here for two reasons. First, I am here to express my appreciation to you Mr chairman and your working committee for all your efforts and sacrifices to ensure that our party and the PDP family continue to remain virile, focused and united.

“This is in spite of the myriad of challenges that continue to shake their fists before your faces. It is this resilience of yours, our leaders that kept our party from being devoured by wolves that disguised in sheep clothing.

“It is for this your tenacity, that we still have a party today called the PDP. It is for this your resoluteness that we still have hope for the common man come 2019.”

Sidi said his decision was taken after due consultations with his family, friends, political associates and key stakeholders across the state.

“I have come therefore to seek for your blessing and prayers,” he said.

“My desire to run for the office of Kaduna state governor springs from my burning passion to rescue our dear state from systematic destruction.

“My vision for Kaduna state is one of a peaceful, united and prosperous state.

“God has endowed our dear state with abundant human and material resources, and one of my main goals is to provide the necessary visionary leadership that harnesses these resources together to transform the state for our collective good.

“Although in opposition, our party the PDP is still the biggest, strongest and most united.

“Under my leadership, I will ensure the entrenchment of the principle of party supremacy where all of us are subjected to the supremacy of the party irrespective of our political status.”

Sidi was sacked over the theft of over  N1 billion, $284,000 and £95,000 from NEMA.

He was accused of maintaining 20 different accounts in various banks despite his public servant status. He is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).