[size=14pt]Sokoto governorship poll: Jonathan sacks minister over ambition[/size]
By Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja2 hours 56 minutes ago

A few hours after he was relieved of his appointment, a former Minister of Sports, Alhaji SuleimanYusuf, has denied being sacked, saying he tendered his resignation letter to President Goodluck Jonathan.

It was, however, learnt that Yusuf was sacked by Jonathan for allegedly obtaining a governorship nomination form for the forthcoming governorship election in Sokoto State without consulting the President.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the sack was with immediate effect.

The President said he was removed “to afford him the opportunity to focus fully on the pursuit of his declared political ambition.”
It was gathered that by obtaining the form, his ambition has pitted Jonathan against Northern governors who have vowed to resist any attempt by the Presidency to deny Governor Aliyu Magartakada Wamakko a second term ticket.

In a swift reaction, his spokesman, Mr. Adebisi Adekunle said: “There is no iota of truth in the insinuations that Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf was sacked. He voluntarily resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his governorship ambition.
“I think the ex-minister gave the President a notice to quit about two weeks ago. He remains committed to the pursuit of his governorship ambition.’’

It was, however, gathered that the President might have sacked Suleiman for “embarrassing the Presidency.”
The source added: “His ambition has created a wedge between the Presidency and northern governors. The manner in which Suleiman presented his nomination made the public to believe that he is an anointed candidate of the President.

“The President has spent the last few days to clear the air that he has no business with Sokoto politics. Yet, he is being accused of plotting Sylva’s treatment for Wamakko.
“The security implications of an implosion in the North-West, especially the seat of the Caliphate, made the Presidency to disown Suleiman.”

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/28467-sokoto-governorship-poll-jonathan-sacks-minister-over-ambition.html