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ENUGU POLITICS AND THE LONG STANDING ZONING ARRANGEMENT

Published

5 years ago

September 9, 2020

By Ifeanyi Ogenyi Esq.

In recent times, so many jaundiced, accidental pundits/analysts have emerged, each claiming to be public-spirited and Public Affairs Analysts like one ONYEABOCHUKWU CHRISTIAN.

Recently, I came across an article written by the said Onyeabochukwu Christian in the Vanguard Newspaper of 04-08-2020 entitled ‘OF ENUGU 2023 ELECTION AND ZONING SENTIMENT’.

I feel compelled to respond to the article not because it worth it, but because of the inaccuracies, it conveyed and also to enlighten the unsuspecting readers and his social media fans.

I am not surprised by the tone, content, and intent of the article because the writer, the self-acclaimed Co-ordinator, Coalition of Enugu West Youth Organization has clearly shown where he is coming from. The article is one of the voices of Jacob but the hands of Esau.

However, it would have been better if the writer had started by telling us whom his sponsors are, why he has been hired to present this clueless article to the public just like Baalam in the scripture who was hired by Balak to curse the Israelites so as to stop their progress or is it due to some deliberate mischief?

The article would have been ignored because it stands logic and common sense on the head but to do so, however, will give credibility to falsehood and mischievous assertions designed to manipulate people’s perception of the realities on the ground regarding Enugu politics and it’s the long-standing power-sharing formula.

While I agree that the writer has the right to free speech, I don’t think such right should exceed the boundary of sound reasoning. Having said all these, it is now proper to address his hatchet job and in doing so I will restrict myself to the issues he raised.

A textual analysis of the article would throw up two key points namely:

That political zoning and other power-sharing arrangements have overshadowed liberal democracy; and
That Zoning is undemocratic and it encourages sacrificing meritocracy on the altar of mediocrity.

Zoning as a political arrangement is as old as man himself. It has been in existence for decades. In Nigeria, for instance, Zoning of key political offices in the country dates back to the second republic era when it was adopted in the 1979 Presidential election and the arrangement produced a Northern Nigerian President and Southern Vice President in the persons of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Dr. Alex Ekwueme respectively. It would have been possible for the North to produce both the President and Vice President then and vice versa.

If not zoning, what does the basis of agitation for the Igbo Presidency come 2023? Or do we think that the southeast or South-South in Nigeria can attain to such a critical leadership position in Nigeria without zoning? The answer is capital NO!

Zoning is one of the practical solutions for bickering and disregard for others especially the disadvantaged minorities in the present Nigeria political landscape. It makes for every recognized zone or section in the country or state to be given a sense of belonging; and any zone that gets its turn should be magnanimous enough to allow others to get their turn.

Zoning as a political arrangement has engendered and promoted fairness, peaceful, equitable power-sharing, and representation at all levels of government.

Zoning though not entrenched in Nigeria Constitution is an acceptable democratic principle for power-sharing at federal, state, and local government levels in Nigeria.

It has become an acceptable practice that the major key political positions rotate among the recognized zones.

As a matter of fact, one of the key decisions reached at the National Confab of 2014 and which was recommended for implementation was the rotation of Presidential Position among the six Geo-political zones and Governorship position among the senatorial zones to ensure equity, fair play, and harmonious existence in the polity. This recommendation was well received and applauded by all well-meaning Nigerians especially those from the Southern part of this country including those that are now clamoring for zoning jettisoning.

Even at the National Assembly is widely adopted in sharing of the key positions and the zoning principle in place has made it possible for the sharing of the key positions in the National Assembly among the six geo-political zones; and most people whom their allies are today calling for questioning of Zoning are beneficiaries zoning arrangement at various times in their political carrier.

Zoning is not only democratic but it’s also a veritable mechanism for political stability and fairness as it diffuses the negative reactions and tendencies of a particular section, group or zone to remain in power as long as possible and to use the commonwealth of the people for the service of its sectional interests.

I am persuaded to state without mincing words that zoning in Enugu politics is a long-standing and acceptable political arrangement that has remarkably set Enugu State apart as a peaceful state where politics is played with little or no rancor and bickering.

It helps to narrow down political contests to a particular zone or section, thereby making the leadership recruitment process easy and manageable.

Since the inception of our evolving democracy, Enugu has always adopted the zoning principle in the sharing of key political positions since 1999 till the present administration. It has always been the case that at every dispensation, one Senatorial zone would produce the Governor of the State, another zone produces the Deputy Governor and it has been working perfectly that way.

The writer unguardedly asserted that zoning encourages sacrificing meritocracy at the altar of mediocrity. In response, I wish to state that zoning does not in any way undermine merit or having competent hands in leadership positions. There is no zone in Enugu State that does not have capable, competent, and qualified persons that can take leadership positions in Enugu even at the larger context of Nigeria politics.

In fact, zoning allows varieties of competent personalities from various zones to showcase their endowed good leadership qualities, perception, and innovative approach to leadership.

So the writer should not insult our collective senses of reasoning with his competence and best brain fallacies.

It is a well-known and acceptable fact except for those who want to distort the existing political arrangement in Enugu that it is the turn of the Enugu East Senatorial Zone to produce the next Governor of the State come 2023 and Enugu East Senatorial Zone has eminently qualified, experienced, the competent and best material for the position.

I make bold to say that Onyabochukwu’s assertions regarding zoning were made mala fide and contrary to his ill-motivated assertion that “zoning is like a prescription that kills instead of heals”, I submit that zoning is a democratic drug for fair play, equitable power-sharing formula and representation; and an effective cure and panacea for marginalization. It gives a sense of belonging to the various interest groups within the system including the perceived or the so-called minorities in the system.

Onyeabochukwu Christian’s metaphors of a leader giving to Agbaja 5%, giving Nsukka 90%, or Ndi Awgu 80% and Nkanu 15%, and other innuendoes contained in his article are mere trivialities that do not require dissipation of energy. It only shows how desperate and clueless the writer was as he is just hobbling and nobbling without making any sensible point to his readers except the gullible public and his social media fans.

Onyeabochukwu Christian, the self-acclaimed Coordinator of the Coalition of Enugu West Youth Organization should better support the long-standing zoning arrangement and age-long good practice; and wait for the turn of Enugu West Senatorial Zone.

Enugu people are wise and intelligent; and as such, they cannot accompany Onyeabochukwu Christian or whatever name he called himself, his allies and cronies on this reckless journey on the path of ignorance which they say is a disease

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Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

13 hours ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

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