The Undemocratic Push for Zoning in Ughelli South Politics

By Joseph Ibata

Zoning of electoral positions in present day Nigerian politics is highly undemocratic in nature and does not bring about true representation in terms of quality and substance of the candidate.

It is the alibi of political desperadoes who are left with no creative ideas to sell their candidacy.

Politics is not for those who do nothing but wait for their turn. Indeed, as a wise man would say, political power is neither for the given nor is same served a la carté. You must persuade a superior political argument as to why you should be trusted with the mandate of the people. That is why it is true that zoning and rotation of a political office sacrifices merit on the altar of political correctness.

An interesting scenario that illustrates this aphorism is seen in Ughelli South where Hon. Taleb Tebite, a grassroots politician with a heart of gold and a worthy son of the soil who the people of Ughelli South are clamouring for to represent the Constituency in the forth coming House of Assembly Elections is currently embroiled in a zoning debate with the stakeholders and Elders in Ugiewven axis of Ughelli South Local Government Area.

These political leaders in a desperate attempt to market their candidate who will pander to them, allege that a zoning arrangement is in place for Ugiewven to produce the next House of Assembly member. They further argue that since Ugiewven town is already doing one term with Hon. Reuben Izeze, the town surely deserves another term going by the purported zoning arrangement.

In every democratic setting such as ours, the principle is encapsulated in the Latin maxim, Voice populi Voice Dei, which is to say, the voice of the people is the voice of God and same should be adhered to.

At a recent consultation visit to His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the voice of the people once more prevailed with resounding shouts of Taleb Tebite to represent them at the House of Assembly come 2019.

A free and fair primaries in Ughelli South will no doubt bring about the desired representation needed to push electoral victory for His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as well as Hon. Taleb Tebite come 2019.

Taleb Tebite is a dogged politician who can withstand any opposition to ensure PDP emerges victorious come 2019.

Imposition, unwritten zoning arrangements will do no good to Ughelli South Constituency. Power resides in the thumbs of the people, they should have their say.