Namadi Sambo worked as an
architect until he became a
governor in 2007
|
Both houses of
Nigeria's parliament have voted to
confirm the appointment of Kaduna
state governor Namadi Sambo as the
country's new vice-president.
Mr Sambo is relatively unknown
and his appointment could clear the
way for President Goodluck Jonathan
to seek election in 2011, analysts
say.
There were rowdy scenes during
the confirmation, with lawmakers
screaming and shouting to delay
proceedings.
Mr Sambo is a northerner and he
maintains the regional balance.
President Jonathan, a southerner,
was sworn in earlier this month
after the death of Umaru Yar'Adua.
Mr Jonathan has not said whether
he wants to stand for the elections
and the governing People's
Democratic Party has said its
candidate will be a northerner -
continuing its practice of
alternating power between the mostly
Muslim north and the largely
Christian south after two four-year
terms.
Mr Yar'Adua, who was a
northerner, died before his first
term ended.
Kaduna anger
The BBC's Caroline Duffield in
Lagos says that although Mr Sambo is
not seen as a strong contender in
the elections, his appointment is
still controversial.
In his home state of Kaduna, Mr
Sambo is seen as weak and
inexperienced - his administration
is criticised as corrupt.
 |
NAMADI SAMBO
Born: 1952
Married with six children
Elected Kaduna governor
in 2007
Qualified architect
No personal power base
Ally of former military
ruler Ibrahim Babangida
|
His replacement in Kaduna will be
his deputy Patrick Yakowa, who is a
Christian.
Our correspondent says that has
prompted anger because the state is
mostly Muslim. Some local
politicians see it as a plot to hand
political control locally to
Christians.
The confirmation hearing in the
House of Representatives was held up
for nearly half an hour as lawmakers
argued on procedure, some even
suggesting it be suspended to allow
for consultation with constitutional
experts.
At one point, those supporting
the Kaduna governor began singing
"Give us Sambo", while House speaker
Dimeji Bankole repeatedly called for
order.
"I am pleading with colleagues to
please to take their seats and take
this matter with all sense of
patriotism," Mr Bankole said at one
point.
Eventually, the House confirmed
Mr Sambo as vice-president. Senators
had earlier approved him unanimously
in a vote that lasted three minutes.
Married with six children, Mr
Sambo is an architect and an ally of
former military ruler Ibrahim
Babangida, who intends to seek the
presidency. |
