BY HON OfONI D WILLIAMS
The idea of Zoning is borne out of the burning desire to eschew, in no less measure, the inherent brauhaha that often characterizes elections in third world countries, even with some obvious shortcomings, as, in few cases, it defies democratic norms such as merit ; it is done to enshrine equity, fairness and to elicit participatory democracy among a given people in society on issues that call for common understanding, laced with the spirit of give and take.
Therefore, the concept of zoning is not completely out of place, as it encourages common understanding, peaceful coexistence and oneness among a given people, unambiguously defined to promote the ethos of democracy.
It is gratifying to note that the Izon Nation and culture does not detest zoning as the practice is put in place in many communities from antiquity to resolve hitherto existing complex issues, in certain situations. For instance, in the traditional setting, It has been a workable long standing practice, employed to resolve disputes such as ownership of lakes, in which, fishing is done on the basis of turn-by-turn, engaged by parties in dispute. This practice ensures and encourages peaceful coexistence among a people.
However, in this circumstance, although zoning is not enshrined in the Nigerian constitution conspicuously, but it is impliedly provided in our constitution, as zoning is synonymous with the federal character principle.
In the political sphere, PDP as a political party had enshrined zoning in her constitution boldly and properly captured in it. Hence, zoning has gone beyond a mere convention as far as the PDP is concerned.
The rationale and essence is well noted and abundant but in certain quarters, people hold the view that it defies the golden principle of merit and therefore, zoning is only proper as a political gimmick when it favours a party in power. Even from that strand of thought, the former view cannot be wished away easily as the benefits of zoning clearly outweigh the aforesaid pitfalls.
In the same vein, it is shocking that zoning is interpreted by some political analysts as a mere process of balancing power rather than rotation of the offices in question in the political sphere. It is important to note that the adherents of the balancing view of zoning might not elicit equity to the former.
The issue of zoning in Bayelsa West Senatorial District in recent times is a reoccurring decimal, unjustly applied and interpreted, because PDP is in a hurry to forget that zoning is a constitutional issue, to the extent that it embarrasses herself and presents the party in a lawless maner.
Secondly, in the immediate past bye-election into the Senatorial seat, the PDP reaffirmed zoning to high heavens, as it formed the crust of its campaigns. To this effect, a communique was issued concerning zoning in Bayelsa West Senatorial District . But before long, because, perhaps, it does not favour them this time, the PDP is singing a different new song, including the direct beneficiary of the zoning.
As others with opposing views of non-PDP extraction are now blackmailed by proxy elements of PDP cum beneficiary in question. this is in place to justify their somersault.This is most unfortunate, as it stands to allow forms to be procured for Senator Dickson Seriake in the forthcoming election.
However, it calls for certain questions. Firstly, is senator Dickson Seriake unaware of the form procurement proxy elements ? The answer is direct and simple. Senator Dickson Seriake is very much aware and approved of it. If the above is incorrect, who will fill the said form procured for Senator Dickson Seriake?. So, apparently, Senator Dickson Seriake cannot feign ignorance to say he is unaware of the pedestrian political gummick.
With the development above, it now brings to bear the question, who is a worthy leader? It has been advocated that Senator Dickson Seriake is said to be the mouthpiece of the Izon Nation at the Red Chambers. It implies that he has to lead other national Assembly members from the Izon Nationality. At this juncture, it is proper to examine who is a leader and the good qualities of a leader.
In this regard, a leader must be laced with these outstanding qualities among others, such as consistency, humility, honesty, promotes peace, bridge builder, strong and positive character, God-fearing, possesses integrity etc .
As we watch with wrapped attention attempts by Senator Dickson Seriake to return to the Senate, the above qualities of a good leader is said to have been eroded him considerably.
His intention to return to the Red Chambers, firstly defies the zoning arrangement enshrined in the PDP constitution, thereby portraying him as a man of lawlessness, inconsistency, demonstration of weak and negative character traits, absence of God fearing, lost of integrity, anti-peace advocate in nature(Somalization of Bayelsa west), etc.
it is important to note that the absence of war does not necessarily translate to mean peace, honesty, etc. What is expected of a good leader is to stand out from the crowd, implying an uncommon courage in the midst of excessive pressures to reject the temptation of the proxy procurement of the Senate form for him by his sychophants. Because the approach in itself is unethically sound, as it sets to set confusion among the people, outdated, morally bankrupt, tasteless, worthless but laced with deceit and UNGODLINESS.
This brings to bear that a leader is not made only by elective offices held but noble exemplary life conduct, such as visionary, positive and strong character, courage etc. It remains very shocking that the cotravellers of senator Dickson Seriake in the zoning palance before the proxy procurement of form, their silence is not golden but impinges on natural justice. This is the time to rxpress themselves meaningfully before they smelt their image and integrity unjustly and publicly.
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The video tapes of zoning sections held are about to speak volumes of themselves before generations yet unborn. I pray that, this DNA of doubled standards is not transferred or inherited; let them not suffer from the haemorrhage of the brain that can make them to grow dumb over night. Let them stand up to be counted positively.
On the part of Senator Dickson Seriake, I suggestively suggest and advise that he should not massage his ego unnecessarily but carve an inch of self respect and preservation because the ill- wind is capable to blow him off. His attempt to recontest the Senate in 2023 is an ill-wind, against the principle of zoning he proffered as the basis of his last campaigns.
The above advice is precipitated upon considerations that Senator Dickson Seriake is an ex police officer, a lawyer, and lawmaker – all bother on cultivating and promoting peace and orderliness in society.
However, it will not be surprising that opposing views are seen as emerging enemies and threats issued as witnessed in the past. Notably the likes of Mrs Maria Ebikake, HRM A. j. Turner, Barr Tuner , Hon, Ofoni Williams etc. readily come to mind. Sooner, the sermon will be the need for high ranking Senator, based on speculations that the Senate president is zoned to south south. Hence, zoning is jettisoned.
HON OfONI D WILLIAMS WRITES FROM YENAGOA
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