Politics

2023: There is no sincerity on zoning of President- Hon Lawal

Published

4 years ago

March 1, 2022

News Net Global

2023: There is no sincerity on zoning of President- Hon Lawal

By: Michael Mike

The member representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Hon. Kolawole Lawal has said there is currently no sincerity from cross-section of Nigerians concerning zoning of the office of the President.

He insisted that the zoning of office of the President cannot be achieved at the party level but at a legal level with law enforcing movement of the office across the zones.

Speaking at the February edition of the monthly programme organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja chapter, with the theme: “2023 and the zoning question”, Lawal however advised that the issue of zoning should be shelved ahead of the 2023 General Elections, insisting that the issue of zoning will not give Nigeria the desired results as a country.

Lawal argued that the issue of zoning is not a constitutional matter and that Nigerians across political divide have not been sincere with it so far, adding that if Nigerians had been sincere with it, there is a particular reference in the Constitution that would have clearly taken care of it.

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He further stressed that since Nigerians are not sincere with the issue of zoning and that it is not well backed by law, it would be difficult to enforce.

He said: “What I have always said on zoning is that we have zoning at the convention, its like it is almost becoming a tradition. But it is not a constitutional matter; either in the 1999 constitution amended or the active constitution.

“If there is sincerity in the issue of zoning, nobody would come out today from the Northern part of Nigeria to say they want to contest the 2023 presidential election of Nigeria. Even the PDP that started it, I am not sure it is in their constitution. If it is required in their constitution, like today now, Atiku will not be waiting to contest. In fact, yesterday he was in Ogun State, where he said he was going to come out soon.

“That is why I said there is no sincerity with the issue of zoning, and it is not on solid foundation, and therefore, not sacrosanct, even by those who say that they are practicing it.

“For instance, if you ask any PDP person today, they will say: “there is no issue of zoning, we want somebody that is competent, which is true, a competent person that can take Nigeria out of the woods, and there is no issue of zoning. That is why I said, yes, there is zoning but it is not documented, it is not something that can be proudly fought for.

“I have said it clearly that there is a particular reference in the Constitution that clearly took care of zoning. That is federal character principle. That is why it is established in the Constitution in Section 153(1C). Also for equitability and fair distribution of resources, we have Section 14(3), Section 147(3), Section 171(5), those should have taken care of issues surrounding equitable and fair distribution of resources and political appointments.

“But, because we have not implemented the issues around federal character very well, that is why people are still talking about revolution, that is why people are still talking about zoning.

“I have said it severally that in this country, we have enough laws that if well implemented, Nigeria will be better off. We do not need new laws; we can be doing some amendments but we have all the laws that we need. But because of bad or poor implementation, that is why we are having agitation all over the place.

“The Federal Character Commission is established to look at the issues around the fact that everybody must be represented in all that we do. There would not be problems with the issue of zoning if we are we observing the federal character principle.

“Normally, there should be a level playing ground for everybody so that we can have good candidates that can take Nigeria to where we want it to be. Somebody that is strong enough to handle Nigeria the way it should be handled.

“But because of the issue of zoning, I am not saying that when you have zoning you will not have people like that, but when you have a level playing ground, you will have what we can call best. We are not saying zoning will not provide that, but if we have a larger horizon, we should be able to get something better. That is why I have said zoning for me will not give us what we desire as a country”.

He however said if Nigerians are truly sincere on the issue of power shift and zoning , the South East ordinarily should have the privilege of producing the president of Nigeria come 2023.

“As a person who believes in equity and fairness, I support zoning, and then, if you want to look at zoning merit, as a Yoruba man from the South West, if power shifts to the South, I will okay it. However, zoning itself is not what we can say can be done right.

“Presidency should have gone to South East. Why? South West has tasted power twice. Because I will say MKO won election. MKO won election and it was annulled, and that is why we had Obasanjo. I should have said it is the turn of the South East but as a Yoruba man, I will say it should return to the South West.

“However, on merit, it should go to the South East. South West would take it, but because we have had it, I think South East should have been the best. This is my opinion. It is not the opinion of any party. This is not the opinion of the House. South South has had it. South West has had it, but South East has not had it. That is the only area in the South that is yet to have it. If we are looking at it on merit, it should be South East. But I am sure as a Yoruba man, it should go to the South West,” Lawal said.

The member representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State also charged Nigerians youths to take the bull by the horn and not wait for the older generation to voluntarily relinquish power.

When asked on the need for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Yemi Osinbajo to drop their ambitions to give the youths a chance, Lawal said: “I am for the youths. I am a youth myself. They should give room to the younger ones but these are political gurus that are eminently qualified to contest for presidency.

“They have the wherewithal, they have whatever it is that is required to contest. But, if the youths want to be part of it, it is a competition. They can compete, the youths should come out en masse and compete with them. Everybody have been talking about the youths, the youths should put themselves together and compete and then be their flag bearer”.

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Addressing the issue of constituency projects, Lawal said: “There is nothing like constituency allowance. Constituency projects monies do not get into the pockets of a legislators or members. Constituency project itself, the money is not given to the member.

“Based on what you discuss with your stakeholders in your constituency, at the beginning of the year before the budget cycle, you will list out what you want the government to do in your constituency as constituency projects. It is called Zonal Intervention Project (ZIP).

“When you put that in the budget and the budget is passed, the fund for that project is released to the agency that you have domiciled the project in. When the project is domiciled there, when they release the fund to them, they do all the tendering process. You do not have ay input, except in some cases, some members recommend contractors. They are not obliged to use contractors nominated by members.

“We have even said that should not happen again in the House because it is conflict of interest. We have advised against that. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the MDA to ensure that the project is done.

“For instance, I am not an engineer, so I cannot know when a project has met the BoQ. They do not give us the Bill of Quantity. We do not see the Bill of Quantity. We do not know what they have agreed with the contractors. The contractor just come to my constituency, I will show him the site where he will put the project or in the case of empowerment programme, I let them know where they will put the items, and I will let them know if they have completed the project.

“In my own opinion, I am not an engineer, and I cannot guarantee whether it is structural okay or not. But I will tell them when they have completed the project. They now come direct to visit the project themselves, most times. After doing that, they now sign off, and they pay it. I do not know the member’s issue comes in as if it is the member that is responsible. In the past, I will say that maybe something that is illicit is happening. But as a member of the National Assembly, and Chairman of Ethics and Privileges, we have monitored, our members have made sure that what they should do, they are doing it.

“We had a motion in the floor where we requested the ICPC to give us the evidence of how they say that N10 billion projects were not executed. They were very magnanimous enough to bring the documents to me. When I reviewed the documents, I realised that most of the projects were duplicated by them, and we let them know that most of the things they said there were not correct. It is occurred in the previous Assembly, not the current Assembly. What we are doing currently is okay.

“If it is done judiciously, it is okay the way it is now, because it allows all parts of the country to be impacted positively in project development. Especially in this ninth assembly, if you look at all members now, we have projects in all of our constituencies. It is a good thing for the country and it is a good thing for the constituency”.

On the issue of life pension for principal officers of the National Assembly, Lawal said: “If I start telling you here, it means you want to know what my vote will look like, and my vote will come tomorrow, not today. So, do not let me vote here. I want to vote at the national chambers. If I tell you whether it is right or wrong now, it means that I am voting. So, I cannot answer that question here.

“On the issue of constitutional review, it has a timeline. It has a roadmap. It has a way it is designed to happen. I am sure it will happen. If we have our voting tomorrow, it gets to the State Houses of Assembly, I am sure it will beat deadline for it to come back for it tube useful to the elections. I think it will be useful for the 2023 electoral process.

“On the insurgence at the border, yes, we are a border community, and our borders have been closed for many years and they have not been reopened just because of the insurgency. But the period running, there are no areas where there is insurgency around there. We have not had any issue of banditry or people coming from the other country to come and terrorise us in our area.

“On my committee; it cannot be a graveyard. No! It depends on who is chairing a committee. My committee cannot be a graveyard because the person that is there has his own brain, has his own sense, has his own ways of doing things. We have had many chairmen of ethics and privileges that have probably that have done things the way they are not supposed to have been done. In our own case, we have not seen anything like that. Matters are referred to us, we treat those matters on their merits. But, the challenge we have in that committee is the constitution or the judiciary are people trying to use the judiciary to probably circumvent whatever it is we are doing.

“If a matter is referred to you now, and want to suspend the member, it is possible that a member go to court and the court will say we do not have the right. Although we can do whatever we want to do as House, and the Privilege Act 2004 has given us that right that whatever we do within that House, no court can stop us from doing it. So, sometimes, members will go to court and we always win”.

2023: There is no sincerity on zoning of President- Hon Lawal

Politics

PDP Convention: Group backs Gov. Fintiri, Madagali

Published

4 days ago

November 5, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

PDP Convention: Group backs Gov. Fintiri, Madagali

Ganye Chiefdom has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa as Chairman, 2025 PDP National Convention and Alhaji Hamza Madagali, party Chairman Adamawa Chapter ahead of 2027 General Elections.

The Chiefdom comprises Ganye, Tango and Jada Local Government Areas including part of Mayo-Belwa.

Alhaji Kashim Jidda, leader of the delegation stated this when they paid a solidarity visit to the newly elected executive of the party in the state in Yola.

He said, Gov. Fintiri has laid a legacy in the state and assured their loyalty and support for the success of the party from the grassroots up to the national level.

Jidda appealed to Fintiri to reconstruct Ganye-Jada road to ease the suffering of people and to boost the economic activities in the area.

He also urged Fintiri to find a credible person who would succeed him after his two terms in office to sustain the success and progress of the state.

In his remarks, Madagali expressed appreciation for the visit and described it as one of the special visits to the party.

He commended the Chiefdom for supporting the party during the recent by-election in the area.

According to him, with that they have confidence in them and urged them to double their effort to ensure the success of the party to come 2027 General Elections.

“Going by the constitution of the country and that of the party nobody can stop PDP from winning the election in the forthcoming general election”, he said.

PDP Convention: Group backs Gov. Fintiri, Madagali

Politics

The Unmatched Humility of Vice President Kashim Shettima: A Testament to Leadership in Nigeria

Published

4 weeks ago

October 14, 2025

News Net Global

The Unmatched Humility of Vice President Kashim Shettima: A Testament to Leadership in Nigeria

The Unmatched Humility of Vice President Kashim Shettima: A Testament to Leadership in Nigeria

By: Dr. James Bwala

In the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, leadership often comes with profound challenges, especially in a nation marked by diverse cultures, religions, and regions. In this milieu, humility emerges as a crucial trait for effective leadership. What Vice President Kashim Shettima said at the gathering in Enugu, where he received Governor Peter Mbah and thousands of decampees, reveals his strategic formula for winning oppositions both on political and personal grounds. “I find myself in a unique position, serving as the Vice President of Nigeria, and yet, it is important to acknowledge the exemplary leadership of my governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State… My experience underlines an irrefutable truth.” Indeed, true leaders inspire through their humility and ethical governance, benefiting both their immediate constituency and the broader nation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has not only been a significant figure in Nigeria’s political sphere but also a testament to the power of humility in leadership. Historically, Nigerian political dynamics have often revolved around power plays, tribal affiliations, and sycophantic politics, where loyalty is frequently bought rather than earned. In contrast, Shettima’s relationship with his governor offers a refreshing perspective—one rooted firmly in respect and recognition of genuine leadership capabilities. The indispensable nature of humility in governance, as exemplified by the unique relationship between Vice President Shettima and Governor Zulum, goes beyond politics.

First, it is imperative to delineate what we mean by humility in leadership. Humility is often misconstrued as weakness or submissiveness; however, in the realm of effective governance, it denotes a leader’s willingness to prioritize the needs of others above their own ego. Humility fosters collaboration, respect, and trust—qualities essential for any leader striving to implement policies for the good of all citizens. When leaders openly acknowledge their limitations and the contributions of others, they cultivate an environment conducive to innovation and collective success.

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In the context of Nigeria, where communal ties are deeply entrenched, humility plays a pivotal role in bridging divides. Kashim Shettima’s humility is evident in his approach to governance, where he acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Governor Zulum. When leaders operate within a framework that promotes mutual respect and cooperation, there is a tangible impact on the political climate. Shettima’s acknowledgment of Zulum’s leadership transcends the typical vice presidential role; it illustrates a partnership that inspires unity among citizens who rely on effective governance for their well-being.

Indeed, humility acts as a catalyst for responsiveness in leadership. Engaged leaders often listen actively to the voices of their constituents. Shettima’s support for Zulum’s initiatives, particularly his focus on education, healthcare, and rebuilding efforts in Borno State after years of insurgency, embodies this quality. Instead of competing with his governor, Shettima amplifies his vision and policies, ensuring that the plight of the people is addressed holistically. This symbiotic relationship serves as a model for how humility can drive progress, as the vice president utilizes his platform to elevate the work being done at the state level.

A notable instance illustrating this principle occurred during the Boko Haram crisis, which had devastated Borno State. Governor Zulum, renowned for his hands-on approach to governance, sought to provide relief and rehabilitation for displaced persons. Rather than distancing himself from the governor’s efforts, Shettima stepped forward, providing necessary federal support to facilitate these initiatives. This collaborative effort not only underscored the importance of cooperative governance but also demonstrated how humility can lead to more effective and compassionate responses to crisis situations.

The personal attributes of Vice President Shettima resonate powerfully with the citizens of Nigeria. In a time when politicians are often seen as distant and disconnected from the struggles of the average Nigerian, Shettima’s genuine approach stands in stark contrast. His ability to speak candidly and without pretense has fostered a sense of trust between himself, Governor Zulum, and the population they serve. This transparency is vital in an era where skepticism about political motives runs rampant. By embodying humility, Shettima encourages hope and empowerment, inspiring citizens to engage more actively in the democratic process.

However, it is essential to recognize that humility does not equate to indecisiveness or lack of authority. On the contrary, the most humble leaders often possess the confidence to make difficult decisions, rooted in their commitment to serving the greater good. Shettima illustrates this point clearly; he has navigated complex political terrains while remaining steadfastly supportive of Zulum’s initiatives. This combination of humility and decisiveness creates a strong leadership fabric that reassures citizens of their leaders’ commitment to their welfare.

The reciprocal nature of the Shettima-Zulum relationship invites a broader dialogue on the cultural paradigms of leadership in Nigeria. As we analyze the prevailing political narratives, it becomes evident that a shift toward humility-driven leadership could transform the nation’s governance landscape. The precedents set by Shettima and Zulum should inspire other leaders to adopt similar principles, prioritizing service and community over personal gain and ambition.

Critics may question whether such humility can be sustained in a political arena often characterized by competition and adversarial relationships. However, history has shown us that transformative change arises from consistent action and advocacy for shared values. For Nigeria to thrive, its leaders must cultivate environments where collaboration and respect prevail over discord. The Shettima-Zulum dynamic reinforces the idea that leveraging each other’s strengths leads to authentic, impactful governance.

The legacy of humility in leadership could reshape Nigeria’s political culture, fostering an atmosphere of accountability and ethical governance. When humility becomes a norm rather than an exception, we will witness a reduction in corruption and a rise in leaders genuinely dedicated to public service. The collective consciousness of a nation that embraces this ethos would empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable, thereby enhancing democracy’s effectiveness.

This exceptional humility of Vice President Kashim Shettima towards Governor Babagana Umara Zulum presents an invaluable model for leadership in Nigeria. This relationship illustrates how humility can serve not only as a personal virtue but also as a strategic asset in governance. By embracing humility, leaders can cultivate collaboration, engage authentically with their constituents, and drive meaningful change.

The leadership approach of Shettima and Zulum stands as a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for transformative governance. As we move forward, it is imperative that we encourage our leaders to embody humility, recognizing that true greatness in leadership stems from a commitment to service and a deep respect for the collective journey towards national progress.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

The Unmatched Humility of Vice President Kashim Shettima: A Testament to Leadership in Nigeria

Politics

The NLC vs. Shettima: A Misplaced Blame Game in Labor Rights

Published

1 month ago

October 7, 2025

News Net Global

The NLC vs. Shettima: A Misplaced Blame Game in Labor Rights

The NLC vs. Shettima: A Misplaced Blame Game in Labor Rights

By: Dr. James Bwala

The National Labour Congress (NLC) has taken a critical stance against Vice President Kashim Shettima, alleging that he is shielding Aliko Dangote, a prominent industrialist, from the enforcement of labor laws. This assertion has sparked a heated debate regarding the role of government officials in upholding worker rights and the actual motivations behind the NLC’s criticisms. At first glance, the accusations may seem valid, but a deeper analysis reveals numerous inconsistencies and suggests that the NLC itself might be misdirecting its frustrations and VP Kashim Shettima is right.

I read the lines from a caption on Vanguard Newspapers with deep thoughts; it is imperative to understand the context in which these accusations have been made. The Nigerian labor landscape has faced significant challenges, particularly in the oil sector, where safety, remuneration, and working conditions have been contentious issues. The PENGASAN (Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) is at the forefront of advocating for oil workers’ rights, and any perceived negligence by government officials, including top leadership, can understandably provoke outrage among its members. However, the NLC’s allegations appear to be more rooted in political maneuvering than substantive labor advocacy.

The NLC’s response to Shettima’s alleged protection of Dangote suggests a failure to appreciate the complexities of governance and the intersection between industry and labor rights. Shettima, as the Vice President, operates within a framework that requires balancing economic growth with labor rights. Dangote Industries represents a significant pillar of the Nigerian economy, contributing to job creation and fiscal revenue. Therefore, while it is vital for labor laws to be upheld, it is equally important to recognize the economic context in which these laws operate. Shielding an influential businessman like Dangote may not necessarily equate to an abandonment of labor rights; instead, it may reflect a broader strategy aimed at sustaining economic stability.

The notion that the NLC is advocating purely for the rights of oil workers becomes questionable when one considers the alleged “trickling profits of PENGASAN.” If NLC leaders are indeed benefiting from the very system they claim to challenge, it raises serious ethical questions about their motivations. Are they genuinely committed to improving labor conditions, or are they merely leveraging their position for personal gain? This potential conflict of interest dilutes the message of the NLC and raises skepticism regarding its criticisms of high-profile figures like Shettima.

One must also consider the implications of a targeted campaign against Dangote. The business environment in Nigeria is already fraught with challenges, including regulatory hurdles, corruption, and infrastructural deficits. Discrediting essential businesses and their leadership could have far-reaching consequences for the economy, disproportionately affecting the very workers the NLC claims to represent. Instead of pursuing a confrontational approach, dialogues and negotiations with industry leaders may lead to more fruitful outcomes for workers. The NLC should consider strategies that involve cooperative engagement rather than baseless allegations, fostering a climate of collaboration that can yield real improvements in labor conditions.

The existing labor laws in Nigeria need to be reevaluated and perhaps revised to meet the changing dynamics of the workforce. In their current form, many of these legislations do not adequately address modern workplace realities. The NLC must prioritize reforming these laws to ensure they protect workers effectively without stifling economic growth. By focusing efforts on legislative improvement rather than personal attacks, the NLC could present itself as a constructive force in the labor movement, focusing on solutions rather than scapegoats.

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The NLC’s criticism does not only undermine its integrity but can also alienate potential allies in the quest for labor reform. Kashim Shettima, being part of the government, could be an instrumental ally in driving positive changes in labor laws if approached correctly. The decision to position him as an antagonist may close off avenues for potential collaboration and thwart progress in labor advocacy. The NLC risks marginalizing itself and losing the support of the very workers it strives to help by adopting this combative strategy.

Critics of Shettima argue that the vice president should unequivocally stand against influential businessmen who disregard labor laws. However, this perspective overlooks the intricacies of leadership and the need for strategic alliances in governance. While Shettima has a duty to uphold labor rights, he also has to consider the broader economic implications of his actions. A nuanced approach to labor relations, taking into account the economic realities facing Nigeria, will ultimately benefit workers more than knee-jerk reactions and targeted blame assessments.

For many Nigerians, it is crucial to acknowledge that the responsibility of upholding labor rights does not lie solely on government officials. Businesses, including Dangote’s, must also take accountability for ensuring fair labor practices within their operations. There is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders—government, labor unions, and businesses—to create a sustainable framework for labor rights. Thus, instead of vilifying individuals, conversations should be directed toward fostering a culture of compliance and ethical practice across all sectors.

While the concerns raised by the NLC regarding labor rights are undoubtedly valid, blaming Vice President Kashim Shettima for allegedly shielding Dangote oversimplifies a multifaceted issue. The NLC must critically evaluate its position, recognizing that effective labor advocacy involves collaboration, dialogue, and a commitment to reforming existing laws for the benefit of all. Rather than waging a dispute based on political posturing, stakeholders should unite in the pursuit of a healthier labor environment that respects both workers’ rights and the economic imperatives of the nation. By doing so, they can transform the narrative from one of contention to a shared vision for progress, ensuring that the interests of Nigerian workers are met with both compassion and pragmatism.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

The NLC vs. Shettima: A Misplaced Blame Game in Labor Rights