2015: When other zones in Bauchi should produce governor

Sequel to the above assertion, there was a gentlemanly agreement in 1998 or thereabouts, between Bauchi South and North senatorial districts. This agreement was made preparatory to the 1999 elections that brought former Governor Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu to power. Issues deliberated upon, among others, were how key positions in the state would be distributed. It […]

Sequel to the above assertion, there was a gentlemanly agreement in 1998 or thereabouts, between Bauchi South and North senatorial districts. This agreement was made preparatory to the 1999 elections that brought former Governor Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu to power. Issues deliberated upon, among others, were how key positions in the state would be distributed. It was in line with the above understanding that the secretary to the state government during Mu’azu’s tenure, Muhammed Nadada Umar (Misau Emirate), was presented as a gubernatorial candidate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007. He, however, lost to Malam Isa Yuguda (Bauchi South), who contested on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
My concern is that the gentlemanly agreement has given way to the winner-takes-it-all system. Hence, Bauchi South is dominating the highest offices in the state. From whichever angle one looks at this, the present arrangement is to the detriment of the other sections of the state.
In the spirit of fairness, the people of Bauchi North and Central believe that it is now their turn to produce the next governor of the state. As the 2015 general elections draw nearer, the struggle for the soul of the state has started. This is evident in the myriad of posters on trees, poles, roundabouts, buildings and other places.  It is alleged that a minister is using some prodigal politicians from Bauchi North and Central senatorial districts to woo the two zones to his fold. Unfortunately, the minister is employing the services of never-do-well politicians in a desperate attempt towards achieving his 2015 gubernatorial ambition. It is unthinkable that the minister would want to work with a senator who failed woefully in Bauchi Central senatorial district.
To realise his dreams, every determined politician needs reliable, popular, articulate and serious-minded people. I hope the minister would realise his mistake and make amends before it is too late.
It is my prayer that politicians should learn to stop biting the fingers that fed them. Apparently, it was this attitude that made the PDP lose the state in the 2007 general elections. The truth is that politicians who have nothing to lose can volunteer to work for anybody, provided their bills are paid. He who is already down fears no fall, it is said.   
The essence of morality in politics is to regulate human behaviour for optimum productivity; but in Bauchi State, the contrary appears to be the case. Morality has been unjustly politicised and cabals desperately want to take over the reins of power.
In true democracies of the modern world there is the promotion of internal cohesion, equity, fairness and justice, characterised by social understanding among people of diverse nature. This perhaps explains why it is the most popular system of government practised in civilised countries all over the world today.
Let it be clear that we do not have anything against the minister’s ambition, but a situation where a particular part of a state is allowed to dominate the affairs of such state is not advisable, and should, therefore not be discouraged. We have played the second fiddle in the politics of Bauchi State for rather too long. They portray us as people who don’t have confidence, people who do not believe in themselves and who cannot produce a credible and capable candidate for the governorship position. We consider this an affront and collective slap on our consciousness.
We believe that zoning is the only path to peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, brotherhood, understanding, progress and development for our state and people. This is the right time to strengthen the zoning system in the state.
Mohammed Ameer, Azare, Bauchi State