Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has said that he does not believe in the zoning of the presidency since it has no constitutional backing.
Bello stated this while speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, noting it is alright if Nigeria agrees to zone the presidency, not it must be based on the principle of equity and fairness.
He added that the best candidate to lead the country in 2023 should be a leader that will unite the country.
The governor said, “Zoning is not recognised in the 1999 Constitution; it’s absolutely unconstitutional. If we must continue with the sentiment of a rotational presidency, it’s okay. But let’s do it right in the interest of equity, fairness and justice.”
“Let us not take it from 1999. Let’s go back to 1960. From Independence, all the leaders we had, you will discover that all other geo-political zones, as they exist today, at one time had a position of leadership.
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“In the 2023 presidential election, let the best candidate emerge who will unify and solve the problems of this country we are facing today — who will build on the legacies of Mr. President.
“It’s high time the youths took over the affairs of this country. I have always led from the front based on equity, fairness and justice.”
Bello noted that only the north-central and south-east zones have not produced a president.
“All I can say is that in factoring your 2023 equations, please allow yourselves to be guided by national interest to input the following factors: youthfulness, courage, security, diversity, clear records in successfully managing diversity which is where most post-independence leaders of Nigeria have failed,” he said.
“Also, very important, the inescapable point of equity. That is, only the north-central and south-east geopolitical zones of this country have not held the presidency or vice-presidency — the two highest offices in the land — since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
“All talks of zoning must be the handmaid of equity or we are merely playing dangerous politics and healing the wounds of the country deceitfully.”
Source: TheCable