Zoning: We must attach criterion for best leadership to emerge – PDP aspirant

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Dr Paul Angya, has advised that a criterion be attached to the issue of zoning of political offices in the country so that the best leaders would emerge rather than completely discarding the idea. Angya, who is former Director General […]

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Dr Paul Angya, has advised that a criterion be attached to the issue of zoning of political offices in the country so that the best leaders would emerge rather than completely discarding the idea.

Angya, who is former Director General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), told newsmen during an interview in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, that challenges of leadership are beyond speaking in tribal languages.

He stressed the need for political parties at the state and at national levels to evolve the idea of zoning based on certain criteria which he argued produces the best candidates.

“So we may not completely discard zoning because I am not in a position to do that but we must attach to zoning a criterion that enables the best from the rest of the areas to take over leadership. The challenges of leadership are beyond speaking in tribal languages. So that is my notion about zoning.

“The constitution of this country also tries to ensure equal access to opportunities but then, I will underline it or qualify it that even when you do zoning, care should be taken to make sure that the candidate that emerges from that zone should be qualified for that office,” he said.