Date Published: 05/20/10

Deficiences in zoning elective offices

A front page of Leadership newspaper 17/5/10 story titled “2011: Most Nigerians Reject Zoning – Poll” reported: “A Nigerian-based polling agency, NOI Polls, in partnership with Gallup Poll (USA), the leading polling and opinion research organisation in the world, has come out with an opinion poll finding which indicated that majority of Nigerians reject zoning as a core criterion for electing the next president in 2011”. The Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Leadership newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah, in his usually prolific column of the same date also wrote on “Why Jonathan Should Contest”. Also the opinion poll conducted by The Punch as recorded on page 4 of May 18, 2010 edition was also in the same direction. Many responsible voices are saying that zoning should not be permanent, and come to think of it, it was PDP that making that overwhelm us.

The above genuine opinion polls are indication that Nigerians have rejected zoning – be it for Governor, Senator, Federal House or State House member, LGA chairman and even councillor. In the position (of President), which the above opinions were conducted, one would only add that it will partially address the injustice which has remained with Nigeria.

For a country to be progressive, we need to get the right persons to contest any office just like the Servant-leader of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has maintained when he called on his people not to consider Presidency as their birthright. In most States we have seen governors come on board on quota or zoning system and are replete with Stalinism, nepotism and deep-necked in corruption because they believe ‘it is their turn’. And some of them are even asking for second term when they know that they have not led well. If this is what zoning means, then Nigeria has not started. Federal or State character should only apply in appointive and not elective offices.

Come 2011 elections, anything that would be contrary to bringing the best would be chaotic and may lead to flushing out any imposter in leadership by unconventional means.

From: Alhaji Musa Salem, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, ABUJA