The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, says that the idea of rotating political offices among different sections of the country is a threat to good governance.
The speaker who spoke in Lagos on Thursday, while speaking at the 5th Nigeria Leadership Conference (NLC) tagged “The Christopher Kolade Symposium,” said that the practice had encouraged the emergence of mediocre leadership.
Tambuwal, who was represented by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, stressed that zoning was a form of imposition, adding that the choice of those who should occupy leadership positions should be made through the people’s will..
“Honestly, this idea of turn-by-turn arrangement in the holding of political offices does not produce the best leaders.
“Rotation of the Senate President’s seat, Office of the Governor or the zoning the Office of the President, based on sectional considerations, is not the best for us.
“It constricts the space, from which good leadership emerges and it also threatens good governance which is an ingredient for development,’’ he said.
Tambuwal urged Nigerians, especially those in the political class, to jettison the zoning system, saying that such a policy would strengthen the country’s democracy.
The speaker bemoaned the leadership crisis in the country, saying that the problem had impeded the country’s efforts to attain sustainable development.
Tambuwal, however, said that the followership should partly be blamed for the problem, stressing that bad leaders could only emerge if there were bad followers.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to promote good governance by ensuring that only persons with integrity and good leadership qualities were voted into positions during elections.
Also speaking, Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said that it would be difficult for leaders to succeed without the support of the followers.
He urged Nigerians to always support their leaders in efforts to execute development projects and deliver the dividends of democracy.
The governor urged the citizens not to think about their rights all the time, saying that they should instead aid and initiate efforts aimed at propelling the country to greater heights.
“I don’t have a problem with citizens asking for their rights but they should also know that rights come with a lot of responsibilities.
“We should ask ourselves if we are paying our taxes promptly, whether we are obeying the laws. These are some of the things required of us as good followers.
“So, when we are asking for our rights, we must also strive to fulfill these obligations,’’ he said.
