Ahead
of the 2015 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State, there is widespread
speculation that plans are in top gear to scuttle the zoning arrangement in
Akwa Ibom State. This has led to face-offs between the pro zoning and anti
zoning elements within the State Executive Council and the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP).
While
the pro zoning crusaders argue that Apart from the perennial crisis and instability which political
injustice often precipitates, a system that harbours political injustice may be
unable to command the loyalty of all its citizen, they opined that a system
which allows a sizeable portion of a community or entity to feel that they
cannot aspire to the leadership of their community will be unable to guarantee
peace and development, those who are opposed to zoning say it is undemocratic.
The
Obong Paul Ekpo led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has been
engulfed in muted crisis, since the issue of who will succeed Governor Godswill
Obot Akpabio, in 2015, came up.
Random
sampling of opinion reveal that the bad blood amongst Members of the PDP and
state EXCO has reached an uncomfortable point, which many believe moved the
Governor to commence the process of meeting with the political blocks in the
state, with a view to mending fences and marrying the differences and ensure
the PDP come out tops.
Presently, a majority of the people in Akwa Ibom subscribe to
zoning and rotation. Whatever divergent expressions seen in the political
horizon are matters of personal opinion which is allowed in a democracy. They
also support the principle of zoning and rotation because it is very critical
for the sustainable political development of Akwa Ibom, They argue that the PDP
must respect zoning, as enshrined in the constitution of the party and that its
implementation must be based on equity, justice and fairness.
A frontline
politician from Ibiono Ibom who preferred anonymity had this to say “Zoning and rotation principle is part of a democratic
culture used to address the problems inherent in a polyglot society like our.
It is another name for fair play, compromise and coexistence. It counters the
negative impulse and tendency of a group of people to remain in office as long
as possible and use the resources of the nation to service its narrow and
parochial interests. It also offers itself as an antidote to a practice that
engenders nepotism, promotes corruption and breeds inefficiency, which in turn
stultifies growth and sustainable development.”
“If power is allowed to
systematically rotate between the various zones, the political space will not
only widen, the process will definitely throw out capable leaders who can
transform our country and move it to greater heights. The rotation principle on
basis of zones would also strengthen loyalty to our dear state, because it
would guarantee access to the highest offices of the land to all sections of
the polity.
But these cannot be realized if
zoning and rotation does not make fairness, equity, and social justice the
cardinal principle in which it is practiced. Zones must come as equals
and take their turn on the basis of equality, accepting that what is good for
the geese is also good for the gander.” He said.
He maintained that at the
current level of our sociopolitical development, every patriotic citizens
citizen of the state supports zoning and Rotation, arguing that if truthfully implemented will ensure a better
Akwa Ibom state.
“Zoning and rotation are
actually enshrined in the PDP Constitution. Article 7.2 (c ) of the
Constitution states that:
“In pursuance of the principle
of equity, justice and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of
rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices and it shall be
enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels”. He read from
the PDP Charter. The politicians said anyone who calls himself a loyal member
should respect the constitution of the party.
“What sort of fairness and
equity will anybody preach, if we fail to take into account the peculiar
situation of the zone from where he hails. We must not wait until any group
initiates civil disobedience, militancy, terrorism or outright self
determination before we address their real or extant marginalization or genuine
demand for justice in the Akwa Ibom polity. Let this status quo change. Let
zoning and rotation be and let it be done based on the principle of equity,
justice and fairness’ he stated.
This and many other fundamental
issues led to the decision taken by Members of the Akwa Ibom state Executive
Council, to put forward three of their own o vie for the governorship seat.
Those nominated for consideration include, the Secretary to the State
Government; Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Commissioner for Rural Development; Mr. Effiong Abia and the
Attorney-general and Commissioner for Justice; Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim.
Further investigations revealed
that the position taken by the Commissioners did not go down well with the Commissioner
for Finance; Mr. Bassey Albert who is said to be the only member of the State
Executive Council who is opposed to the idea. It was also revealed that his
decision is not unconnected to his ambition to join the gubernatorial race,
come 2015.
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