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By Salisu Sani-Idris
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has been urged not to accept the proposed micro zoning of the governorship to Bida Emirate by some members.

Dr Mohammed Santuraki, a one time Managing Director of Bank of Agriculture and a Senatorial aspirant, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Bida.

He explained that the proposed zoning of the state governorship position to the Emirate was being promoted by some politicians in the zone.

The Santurakin Nupe said that emirates are not entities on which zoning of political offices are based in APC or indeed national politics.

According to him, the recognised political zoning entities in Nigeria are the wards, Local Government Areas, Federal Constituencies, Senatorial Districts, six Geo-political zones and Nigeria’s old North and Southern regions.

“Following the approval of the zoning of the 2023 gubernatorial position to Niger South Senatorial District (Zone A) by the State All Progressives Congress (APC), I wish to observe that some habitual political jobbers in the Zone, parading themselves as (self-appointed) political leaders are flying a kite that the position be micro zoned to Bida Emirate.

“This proposal is entirely to further their personal, often monetary, interests. This is on the pretext that they feel that they have control of the newly elected executives of the Party.

“This is not acceptable, and all the APC Niger State Zone ‘A’ stakeholders of goodwill must come together to stop this,” he said.

He noted that out of eight local government areas that made up Niger South Senatorial District, Bida Emirate has six, while other emirates have only two each.

“Therefore, the micro zoning formula these political merchants are kiting to propose lacks merit and proportionality.

“If we must further micro-zone this Gubernatorial position and indeed other zone-wide positions, it should be on the bases of Federal Constituency Districts, not on the Emirates structure.”

He expressed confidence in the recently elected Niger State Executives of the APC, saying “we are confident that they will maintain their independence, and will serve the interests of all, not only of a few party members.

“However, we shall be watching them closely in the months and years ahead. Indeed,” he said. (NAN)