Why I’m still in PDP –Gov Aliyu

From ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE, Kaduna
Three days after five governors of the G-7 defected to All Progressives Congress, (APC), Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, a strong member of the group, has explained why he is still in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Aliyu who doubles as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) spoke in Kaduna yesterday when he presided at the public presentation of a book on girl child education in Northern Nigeria, written by Dr. Asma’u Sani Maikudi, a management staff of Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna. Represented by his deputy, Hon. Musa Ahmed Ibeto, Governor Aliyu said: “You are aware of what I said the last time I came here. There is a process in place and that process is the discussion with President Goodluck Jonathan, unless that discussion is concluded we cannot say anything, I am still in the PDP.”
Speaking on girl-child education, the Governor lamented that it has been documented that in a typical Northern school, there is only one girl to every six boys.
He noted with dismay that some cultural practices and the misinterpretation of religious tenets in relation to girl-child education have contributed in worsening the situation. “It was on that basis that the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) resolved that girl-child education should be the cornerstone of our various education transformation programmes,” the governor said.
Earlier in her remarks, the author of the book titled, “Girl Child Education in Northern Nigeri,” Dr. Maikudi said she was inspired to write the book to serve as a medium of enlightenment to parents who deny female children education.
“I am a benefactor of western education. Therefore, I want parents to know that education is the best they can give to their children, especially female children. By so doing, they will help the girl-child and she will be empowered to help her family,” she said.