Kingmakers of Zazzau Emirate have nominated three candidates for the vacant seat of Emir of Zazzau, who died on Sunday after occupying the throne for over 45 years.
The kingmakers include the Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, who is the Chairman, Makama Karami, Alhaji Muhammad Abbas, Fagacin Zazzau, Alhaji Umar Muhammad, Chief Imam of Zazzau, Sheikh Dalhatu Qasim and the Chief Imam of Kona, Sheikh Muhammad.
It has been gathered that three of the kingmakers voted for Bashar Aminu, while Turakin Zazzau, Aminu Idris, eldest son of the late Emir and Yeriman Zazzau, Munir Jaafaru got one vote each.
The three-page report gave its verdict on the two-stage selection process followed on three princes.
The report stated that those vying for the post were graded on seven parameters.
The parameters and the marking scheme were; minimum qualification (BSc or HND) 15 per cent; experience as a district head 20 per cent; experience in public service 10 per cent; no proven adverse report 10 per cent; relationship with the public (tolerance/community relationship) 15 per cent; national award 5 per cent and physical fitness 10 per cent.
In grading the three shortlisted candidates based on these criteria, the kingmakers scored Aminu 89 per cent, Jaafaru 87 per cent, and Idris 53 per cent.
The election was conducted in front of the Secretary of the State Government, Head of Service, Commissioner of Police, among many others.
This newspaper gathered that eight princes wrote to the kingmakers to indicate interest in the position.
Aminu had the advantage as the most entrenched of the princes jostling for the throne.
He was the longest-serving titleholder among the contenders, having first been appointed in 1978. He was also the district head of Sabon Gari until 2018. This is coupled with the position of the Iyan that he holds.
Another major factor that is said to have worked in Aminus favour is his large financial chest, according to reports.
As a member of the Katsinawa clan, Aminus ascension will be a perpetuation of the clan over the others as the Katsinawa has had a stretch on the throne lasting for 61 years.
The kingmakers have written a report and are due to meet Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, soon, who is expected to make an announcement following their meeting.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai is now left to decide between the three princes, according to custom.
The governor had on Thursday reiterated that the decision on who becomes the emir rests with him.
The kingmakers recommend but ultimate responsibility to choose rests on my humble self. I must be knowledgeable about the process as the aspirants and kingmakers, the governor wrote on his verified Facebook page.
A source in Kaduna government house, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the governor will subject the nominees to security vetting.
