Sokoto 2007 and the Zoning
Formula
By
Mamman Lawali Gatawa,
mammangatawa@yahoo.com
Oct 11, 2006
Much concern has been expressed on the need to get an eligible, capable
and trusted person to succeed Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa as Sokoto
State Governor come 2007. The concern stems from the level of
achievements recorded by Bafarawa and the need not only to continue from
where he stops but to sustain all policies and projects he has
initiated.
Who is qualified to take over the mantle of leadership of the State from
Bafarawa has engaged the minds of many a patriotic citizen of the state.
For nearly two years now, the issue has been the key most important item
analysed by Sokoto Political Discourse participants. In all, however,
public opinions still differ on who the cap really fits. This apart,
there is convergence of opinions that the state electorates will not
compromise on best candidate to govern them so that they could continue
to enjoy the dividends of democracy Bafarawa has been delivering.
The divergence of public opinions comes about when it comes to the
question: Should the Governorship position be zoned or not in the State?
The zoning formula – by which political posts rotate and are shared
among constituencies that make up a given polity – is considered by many
as undemocratic. That, it may prevent sourcing of the best candidate and
consequently gives undue advantage to the least qualified or eligible
one. Opponent of Zoning Formula faults its adoptability to our polity
where virtues and qualities of leadership overweigh zoning character.
Proponents of Zoning Formula on the other hand are of the view that
considering the toddler age of our democracy, sharing of political posts
among various Political Units and Sub-Units would ensure not only
equitable representation but may further bind constituents together for
harmony. They may be right in assuming that if not for Zoning Formula,
power might be hijacked by either few groups or individuals to the
disadvantage of other sections of the State. That where post rotate each
and every constituent Sub – Unit is carried along. Where faithfully
practiced, Zoning Formula they argue minimizes if not eliminates
marginalization debacle in our democratization experience.
Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa hails from Isa Local Government Area
and consequently from Sokoto East Senatorial Zone. He is now in his
second and final term of office as the State Governor (1999-2003, 2003-
2007). Who takes over from him is the most dominant issue of discussion
in his inner circle and among politicians in the State. To advocates of
Zoning Formula, which LGA or Senatorial Zone produces Bafarawa’s
successor is also an important puzzle worth solving.
The fact remains that Bafarawa has performed and has wisely initiated
programmes and policies that need to be sustained even as he vacates
Government House. Who then among his associates and party supporters
could ensure continuity in that direction has remained a Herculean task
before him and his entire party caucus members. Electorates keep waiting
to hear even the jest of the matter, but it still remains one of the
contested items on DPP agenda in the State. Inner circle members have
been putting their heads together with a view to arriving at an
acceptable formula as they source for gubernatorial candidate of their
party.
At present, there are two camps over the issue: proponents and opponents
of Zoning Formula. As usual, the opponents of the formula belief that it
is not the Area or Zone where the candidate comes from that matters, but
his eligibility and track record of service upon which it may be assumed
that he/she will sustain Bafarawa’s legacy that matters a lot. On the
basis of this, advocates of No-Zoning-Formula seem tilted towards
supporting Senator Sule Yari Gandi as their favoured candidate. Gandi
hails from Rabah LGA and is in the same Senatorial Zone with Bafarawa.
No doubt, Gandi is an excellent candidate worth campaigning for. He was
a Member, House of Representatives from 1999-2003 and now a
distinguished Senator. Versatile, articulate and one of the pillars of
democracy, Gandi’s contribution in the war against the Third Term brings
dignity and respect to the whole State. The State is really proud of
him. It goes without doubt that should Gandi succeed Bafarawa, Sokoto
will witness yet another phase of transformation. He is surely a
distinguished human being to trust.
To the proponents of Zoning Formula, Bafarawa’s successor should come
from the two other Senatorial Zones of the State: Sokoto Central and
Sokoto South. Advocates of this arrangement seem to be canvassing for
the current Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi.
Their argument centres round some simple, logical facts. First, Dingyadi
comes from Bodinga LGA and is in Sokoto South Senatorial Zone.
Second, he has been the SSG for quite some time now, and this has
provided him with an opportunity to acquire vast experience on State
policy, governance and politics. Variously, he was privileged to
represent the Governor at both State and National occasions. Where the
governor is out of the State, the office of SSG is the centre of gravity
of the State. Interestingly, Gingyadi has brilliantly acquired the
skills and ability to handle the co-ordination of complex State affairs
whenever the governor travels. Third, he has over the years earned for
himself record of selfless service and loyalty to the State Governor and
the entire citizens. His loyalty to the governor has never been doubted,
even by political adventurers. He remains one of the close confidants
and trustees of Bafarawa.
It is the realization of the foregoing that makes electorates to start
calling on Gingyadi to seek for DPP’s nomination to enable him succeed
Bafarawa come 2007. By endorsing him, the Party will simply reward
hardworking and selfless service. That also may lie to rest the
road-side murmurings that the Sokoto East Senatorial Zone is taking the
whole State for a ride so long.
Finally, the truth must be clearly stated that from 1999 to date,
Gingyadi is involved in almost all policies and programmes implemented
or executed in the State. Far more than other contenders, he knows how
far the Government has traveled so far, where it is now and the likely
shape things may take in the near future. In other words, he knows what
is done so far and what remains to be done. In all, Gingyadi should be
there simply because he is involved!
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