The mood in the Government House in Jos, capital of Plateau State, is a pensive one. The chief occupant of the house, Governor Jonah Jang, a key ally of President Goodluck Jonathan, is yet to fully overcome the shock that came with the news, two days ago, of the appointment of Dr. Dikko Suleiman as the new Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission for a period of four years with effect from last Tuesday, November 19.

Sources at the Government House told News Express that Jang, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) faction recognised by President Jonathan, was shattered when he got wind of Suleiman’s appointment as announced via a statement from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

“Jang feels betrayed by Jonathan and he is not hiding it,” one of the sources told News Express. “He lobbied for a Plateau person to be given the post and even used the late Solomon Lar’s Middle Belt Forum to lobby the President, only for it to go to someone from elsewhere. He feels really betrayed and justifiably so,” the source added.

News Express learnt that Jang’s candidate for the post is Dr. Yakubu Gambo, a grassroots mobiliser for both his administration and that of Jonathan. Gambo’s appointment was assumed to be a foregone conclusion in view of Jonathan’s assurances. “At some point, Jonathan’s godfather, Pa Edwin Clark, wanted Prof. Suleiman Bogoro from Bauchi for the position but the President told him he had already given it to Plateau,” a source disclosed.

News Express learnt that Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema pulled off a last-minute ‘coup’ when he used SGF Anyim to swing the pendulum in favour of Dikko, his first cousin and confidant. It is not yet clear if Jang would be placated with another plum appointment for Gambo.

•Photo shows Governor Jang.