Politics

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

Published

3 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

2027: Coalition only way to send APC packing from Gombe, Nigeria- Group

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

2027: Coalition only way to send APC packing from Gombe, Nigeria- Group

Alliance for Good Governance, a political group comprising 108 other groups within the state has declared support for opposition parties’ move to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state and country.

Hon. Ahmed Usman Haruna, convener of the meeting and Co-ordinator of the Group while speaking during their meeting in Gombe on Tuesday said it had become imperative for political stakeholders to unite for victory in 2027.

Haruna said that the only way to defeat APC in 2027 in the state and country was to unite beyond political differences using a coalition that provide a platform for all well-meaning Nigerians to contribute their efforts towards sending APC out of government.

He said that the APC-led government had failed on its promise to deliver a better Nigeria as majority of citizens had been impoverished by their harsh economic policies and programmes.

The coordinator added that since the coalition was working towards bringing good governance to Nigeria, “we are fully in support of the coalition and we have over 108 groups here and we are going to mobilise more to end the pain-inflicting rule of APC in Gombe State and Nigeria.

“We are here to declare our support for the way out that we are seeing on ground through the movement for the coalition in Nigeria. Of course coalition is the way out.

“If APC is in government, then the only thing that we need is an alternative political party that will get them out from office”, he said.

Haruna urged stakeholders to create more awareness in their communities towards boosting political awareness and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

2027: Coalition only way to send APC packing from Gombe, Nigeria- Group

Politics

VP Kashim Shettima: A reflection of the interconnectedness between fate and personal attributes

Published

4 days ago

June 27, 2025

News Net Global

VP Kashim Shettima

VP Kashim Shettima: A reflection of the interconnectedness between fate and personal attributes

By: Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political trajectory exemplifies the intricate relationship between fate and personal attributes, highlighting how individual qualities can intersect with circumstantial forces to shape leadership outcomes. While fate may position an individual within certain historical or social contexts, it is Shettima’s personal attributes—such as resilience, rhetorical skill, and strategic vision—that have enabled him to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape effectively. His public discourse often underscores courage and transformative leadership, which not only reflect his innate qualities but also respond adaptively to the demands of his environment.

Shettima’s role as vice president underlines a dynamic interplay where destiny provides opportunities that are actualized through character and action. His rhetoric aligns with broader national narratives about change and legacy, suggesting that while fate may offer a stage, it is personal agency that directs the performance. This synthesis between predetermined circumstances and individual capability illustrates how leaders like Shettima embody both historical contingency and self-determination in their public roles.

In this way, Shettima’s journey not only reflects personal triumph over the vicissitudes of fate but also serves as a testament to the profound impact of character-driven leadership on national development. In essence, Shettima’s leadership journey illustrates how the interplay between fate and personal attributes can transcend individual success to foster collective progress within a nation. This intricate balance between destiny and personal attributes not only shapes Shettima’s political narrative but also inspires a broader discourse on leadership in Africa, where history and individual agency frequently converge to redefine societal trajectories.

This narrative not only resonates deeply within the context of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape but also offers a blueprint for emerging leaders across the continent, reinforcing the idea that true progress is born from the synergy between predetermined paths and deliberate, character-driven choices. By examining Shettima’s career, one can discern how his personal attributes—resilience, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to public service—have consistently aligned with historical moments of opportunity.

Read ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-plight-of-farida/

This alignment is further evidenced by Shettima’s strategic initiatives, which often capitalize on pivotal historical junctures to advance national interests and enhance socio-economic stability. Shettima’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes with a blend of prudence and vision underscores the essential role of adaptive leadership in times of national transformation. His journey illustrates how personal characteristics can serve as both a catalyst and a compass, guiding individuals through the intricate dance of destiny and determination to achieve impactful leadership outcomes.

As Shettima’s narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that his personal journey is a testament to how intrinsic qualities can steer one towards pivotal roles in shaping a nation’s trajectory. In reflecting on Shettima’s career, one observes how his intrinsic resilience and strategic foresight have intertwined with the broader currents of fate to place him at the forefront of national leadership. This interplay between personal attributes and destiny not only underscores Shettima’s rise but also highlights the broader narrative of leadership in contexts marked by complexity and change.

This dynamic interaction between individual traits and the unfolding of fate is not only critical in understanding Shettima’s ascent but also serves as a broader commentary on leadership within complex political environments. Shettima’s leadership journey, as articulated in his rhetoric, underscores the transformative power of individual courage and strategic vision in navigating the complexities of national governance. Moreover, his rhetoric often reflects the deep-seated belief that courage and strategic vision are indispensable in crafting a legacy that resonates with both contemporary and future generations.

Kashim Shettima’s speeches often encapsulate the notion that leadership is not merely a position of power but a profound responsibility to align personal strengths with the nation’s aspirations, ultimately crafting a narrative that resonates with both the present and posterity. Through his speeches, Shettima consistently emphasizes the importance of aligning personal integrity with national goals, thereby reinforcing the notion that effective leadership is deeply rooted in a harmonious blend of fate and personal conviction. In doing so, he not only embodies the essence of leadership but also illustrates how personal conviction can be a guiding force in the intricate dance between destiny and self-determination. This intricate interplay between personal determination and the larger forces of destiny is vividly captured in Shettima’s portrayal of President Tinubu’s leadership, where bold economic reforms are seen as pivotal moments that redefine national identity.

Shettima’s depiction of Tinubu’s leadership serves as a testament to the belief that the convergence of personal attributes and fate can indeed propel a nation towards a redefined future, where courageous decisions become the cornerstone of historical transformation. Shettima’s perspective underscores the belief that the fusion of personal attributes such as courage and strategic foresight with the inexorable pull of fate can lead to transformative change. By weaving his narrative with elements of courage and strategic foresight, Shettima not only highlights the transformative potential inherent in the convergence of personal attributes and fate but also inspires a collective vision for progress that transcends individual ambitions.

Indeed, Shettima’s narrative finds resonance in the broader context of leadership, where the alignment of individual virtues with the nation’s destiny becomes a catalyst for enduring change. In essence, Shettima’s articulation of Tinubu’s leadership is not merely a reflection of personal admiration but rather an acknowledgment of the profound impact that decisive leadership can have on the trajectory of a nation.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

VP Kashim Shettima: A reflection of the interconnectedness between fate and personal attributes

Politics

Rhetoric of Vice President Kashim Shettima: Speaks of Courage and Shaping History in President Tinubu’s Leadership

Published

1 week ago

June 22, 2025

News Net Global

Vice President Kashim Shettima

Rhetoric of Vice President Kashim Shettima: Speaks of Courage and Shaping History in President Tinubu’s Leadership

By: Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s rhetoric surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s leadership underscores a narrative of courage and historical significance. Shettima consistently portrays Tinubu as a bold and decisive leader who confronts Nigeria’s most pressing challenges head-on, particularly in economic reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate realignment. He constantly emphasized that Tinubu is “taking the bullets” avoided by his predecessors; Shettima situates the president as a transformative figure whose decisions are not merely administrative but foundational acts shaping Nigeria’s future governance.

Shettima’s discourse highlights the interplay between courage and legacy. He suggests that Tinubu’s willingness to make unpopular yet necessary choices reflects a leadership style committed to long-term national benefit rather than short-term approval. This framing aligns with academic understandings of political rhetoric that seek to legitimize authority through appeals to sacrifice and historical destiny. In this light, Shettima positions Tinubu not only as a current leader but as an architect of history whose actions will ease burdens for future administrations.

Vice President Kashim Shettima often employs rhetoric that celebrates President Tinubu’s courage while emphasizing his role in shaping Nigerian history. By framing difficult policy decisions as acts of bravery and rewriting past leadership failures, Shettima constructs a compelling narrative that elevates Tinubu’s presidency within the nation’s political discourse. This rhetorical strategy serves both to defend contentious reforms and inspire confidence in ongoing governmental efforts toward sustainable development. Such rhetoric not only bolsters Tinubu’s image as a valiant leader but also sets the stage for a narrative where current sacrifices are deemed necessary investments for the nation’s prosperous future.

This narrative not only fortifies Tinubu’s legacy but also seeks to galvanize public support for current and future reforms by framing them as essential steps toward a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria. By portraying Tinubu as a leader who tackles challenges head-on, Shettima not only seeks to enhance public trust but also attempts to foster a collective sense of purpose and resilience among Nigerians.

Framing Tinubu’s leadership as a courageous endeavor that confronts and overcomes obstacles head-on, Shettima not only reinforces a narrative of resilience but also positions Nigeria on a trajectory toward transformative growth and stability. This portrayal of Tinubu as a transformative figure is further reinforced by Shettima’s framing of his leadership decisions as not merely necessary responses to immediate crises but as strategic moves designed to secure Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and stability. Drawing on the historical context and illustrating Tinubu’s actions as pivotal moments of courage, Shettima underscores the idea that these strategic choices are not just about immediate gains but about crafting a legacy that future generations will look back on with respect and gratitude.

In this light, Shettima’s rhetoric not only elevates Tinubu’s actions as emblematic of courageous leadership but also aims to cement his legacy as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s history. While emphasizing these transformative policies, Shettima not only paints a picture of Tinubu’s bravery in addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues but also frames these actions as essential steps in the nation’s journey towards sustainable development. His rhetoric consistently underscores the notion that Tinubu’s leadership is not only about immediate gains but also about ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s rhetoric underscores this vision, portraying President Tinubu as a leader who is unafraid to confront the nation’s most pressing challenges head-on, thereby setting a precedent for future governance. By highlighting Tinubu’s willingness to make the difficult decisions that previous administrations had sidestepped, Shettima positions him as a trailblazer in Nigerian politics, not just as a leader of his time but as a transformative figure whose decisions echo through the annals of history. His speeches, often delivered with a fervor that matches the gravity of the challenges at hand, serve to rally both the government and citizens around a shared vision of progress and resilience. His words resonate with a sense of urgency and responsibility, suggesting that the bold initiatives undertaken by Tinubu are not merely political maneuvers but foundational shifts designed to safeguard the nation’s future.

His rhetoric, therefore, not only celebrates Tinubu’s decisive actions but also frames them as pivotal moments in Nigeria’s political narrative, reinforcing the idea that true leadership is defined by the courage to act when others hesitate. Such rhetoric not only aims to inspire confidence in current governmental strategies but also to cultivate a legacy of courageous leadership that future generations can emulate. His articulation of these themes is bolstered by the tangible outcomes of Tinubu’s policies, which have already begun to reshape the economic landscape, demonstrating the real-world impact of courageous governance.

As Shettima eloquently underscores, Tinubu’s leadership is not just about immediate gains but about laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future. In this context, Shettima’s rhetoric serves as both a testament to and a catalyst for the transformative impact of Tinubu’s leadership, illustrating how bold decisions today can redefine tomorrow’s possibilities. His consistent emphasis on the necessity of these decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the stabilization of the forex market, underscores a commitment to long-term national interests over short-term political gains.

Indeed, confronting these entrenched challenges head-on, Shettima argues, Tinubu is not only rewriting history but also providing a blueprint for future governance that prioritizes resilience and adaptability. His rhetoric, therefore, not only celebrates the present administration’s accomplishments but also serves as a clarion call for future leaders to embrace similarly bold and forward-thinking approaches.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Rhetoric of Vice President Kashim Shettima: Speaks of Courage and Shaping History in President Tinubu’s Leadership