Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Chika from Niger State, has criticized the zoning of the National Assembly leadership position, stating it is undemocratic and dangerous. Hon. Chika lamented that such an action will only lead to the perpetuation of mediocrity and a lack of meritocracy in the National Assembly.
Hon. Chika made these remarks during an interview with African Boulevard News. He warned that zoning would undermine the quality of leadership the nation would experience at the legislative level. He further added that zoning could lead to a situation wherein the wrong individuals would be put in positions of power since such individuals would be chosen not due to their competencies but rather the geopolitical zone they come from.
The former lawmaker expressed his concerns that the practice of zoning could become a breeding ground for corruption as people in positions of power could use their positions to amass wealth for themselves or their regions. Hon. Chika pointed out that the criterion for choosing leaders should be solely based on their competence, integrity, and track record.
He also mentioned that the zoning practice was not constitutional. Hon Chika said that the Constitution gave every citizen the right to aspire for any position in the country without any hindrance, be it religion, gender, ethnicity, or region. He called for a merit-based system devoid of any form of zoning or preferential treatment.
In conclusion, Hon. Chika’s remarks have sparked a national conversation on the merits and demerits of zoning. African Boulevard News reached out to some industry experts to get their opinions on the matter. Dr. Idris Musa, a political analyst, said that zoning had become a toxic issue in Nigeria’s politics and was one of the reasons why the nation had yet to reach its full potential. He called for a merit-based system that would attract the best and brightest minds to work for the nation’s progress.
Overall, it is apparent that zoning is a divisive issue that has been in Nigeria’s politics for a long time. Hon. Chika’s comments have highlighted the need for a merit-based system that emphasizes excellence over parochial interests. It is hoped that policymakers will heed this call and create a system that is truly democratic, transparent, and inclusive.
