Niger To Give Zoning Of Political Offices Legal Backing – Bago

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has advocated a maximum of 8 years for anyone who benefited from the State’s zoning arrangements for elective positions.

LEADERSHIP reported that the Governor’s move was aimed at preventing those who have served in the State and national assemblies for more than two terms, and at giving other local government areas that felt excluded a sense of belonging.

Consequently, the Governor stated during a strategic meeting of the State All Progressives Congress, APC, critical stakeholders and all aspirants under the party, held at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna, that when a position was zoned to any area, the maximum period would be eight years.

Apparently desirous of giving it legal backing, he said gazetting such agreements would ensure power rotated fairly across all the 25 local government areas of the State, noting that it would bring about lasting peace and political stability.

The Governor said a public hearing and other necessary steps will be taken to ensure that a zoning formula is adopted for all elective positions in the State before the end of 2027.

He said no local government will be allowed to enjoy more than 8 years, saying “the zoning system will allow power to revolve around local government areas and constituencies so that there will be everlasting peace in Niger State”.

The Governor, who acknowledged that the Nigerian constitution did not prevent anyone from vying for an elective position regardless of senatorial district, noted that there was an understanding that the zoning system should work in the State.