It makes no sense.

My reasons are marshalled strictly by logic alone. Here are the reasons and I implore you to consider them objectively.

Zoning is an inherently illogical arrangement for the following reasons -

1. Zoning emphasizes division and not unity: if we are concerned about the state of origin of the President, that evinces an inclination to an "us versus them" mentality which shows disunity rather than unity.

2. Zoning disenfranchises the people and steals the liberty of democratic political choice - Why should the people not be free to choose exactly who they wish - regardless of where he comes from? Let us suppose that the generality of Nigerians do in fact want Goodluck Jonathan as their President. Would it not amount to a robbery of that Political will to insist that he cannot be presented to the populace for a free and democratic choice on account of his state of origin? Indeed that will be absolutely and totally undemocratic. Let's look at MKO Abiola in 1993 - a candidate that was popular across the length and breadth of Nigeria regardless of his ethnicity and religion. Let us imagine a situation where that sort of candidate is denied the oppurtunity to present himself before the people at that particular time of his popularity - would that not be a robbery of the people's democratic liberty? For this reason, Zoning is inherently undemocratic - there is NO democracy anywhere in the world that prohibits persons fom contesting office based on their ethnicity. It is not useful to state that they may do so at a later date, for heaven knows whether such a person would still be alive at that later date! Besides, if we want Barack Obama NOW, why must we be denied him and told to wait for four or eight years before we have him? That wait could make or ruin our nation, you know.

[b]3. Zoning is subversive of the natural order of succession. [/b]Now this one you have to look at very carefully and sincerely. If you have a system based on Zoning and Rotation then the President and Vice-President will always be North/South or South/North. Now in either event, in the event of the death, resignation, incapacity or impeachment of the Head, the natural order is that the deputy will step in. This is standard legal practice globally. Now that deputy will not be from that same zone, based on the zoning principle. He will be from another Zone. This will create a perpetual problem and contradiction because the zone of the predecessor will always insist that the deputy stands down for a kins man of the departed leader. That makes no sense whatsoever and will lead to political turmoil of the sort experienced during Yaradua's illness. The only way that such can logically be avoided is the recognition by all parties that leadership should NOT be determined by zoning. I hope you see the point clearly: the zoning principle is internally contradictory for the simple reason that it will produce deputies who cannot step into their Masters shoes since they are not from the same zone!

4. Zoning promotes mediocity - If the best man for the Job happens to be from Timbuktu or Kathmandu or Antartica, or even from the moon - that man should be supported for the job - it will be sad if on account of the zoning principle we ignore that competent man and choose a less competent leader simply because "it is his turn." I don’t think there is any advanced nation that could make progress with such an approach. You need the BEST leaders - always.

5. Zoning is illegal by reason of its discriminatory nature: The constitution of the Federal Republic states clearly that no person shall be denied access to any office or right on account of his ethnicity, sex or religion.

Did you just learn these?

^^^ Well no, but it came again to my mind because I read an article in the papers today suggesting that anti-zoning arguments were immoral, dishonourable and sentimental, and so I did a response by email to the Newspaper. What you see above is the email I sent to them, and I thought to share it with NL.

Thank you Deep Sight!

My sentiments exactly!

Is rulership of nigeria north's birthright, why is other five geopolitical zones not clamouring for zoning? I still repeat here that the north has fail nigerians for the past years so let them let other zones like ss that has not been there since independence to get into the saddle, what makes the ss nigeria? or are they conscienceless. Ibb says gej is an opportunist, he may be 'opportunity come but once' so gej use it.

I find it difficult to fathom how same person who supported 'FEDERAL CHARACTER' CHARADE WILL TURN AROUND AND KICK AGAINST 'ZONING!!!!'

chosen04:

I find it difficult to fathom how same person who supported 'FEDERAL CHARACTER' CHARADE WILL TURN AROUND AND KICK AGAINST 'ZONING!!!!'

Federal Character and Zoning are not the same thing.

To insinuate federal character is different thing from zoning post in Nigeria is total display of political insincerity. The federal character is an attempt to make sure that every region is represented equally. Zoning is an attempt to make sure that every region is represented equally in having a shot to presidency of Nigeria. If zoning has suddenly become divisive in Nigeria, I say abolish federal character, quota system, resources control, state of origin, geopolitical zones such as south-south and in fact, states. Let us become One-Nigeria in the true sense of it.

In an ethnocentric/tribalistic Nigeria, if an Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa run for election, who would win most of the time? How would the other major tribe feel?
Zoning is not democratic because it doesn't enhance the ability to produce the best candidate but until Nigeria is ready to de-tribalize, zoning is in our best interest. On that note, go GEJ.

Dede1:

To insinuate federal character is different thing from zoning post in Nigeria is total display of political insincerity. The federal character is an attempt to make sure that every region is represented equally. Zoning is an attempt to make sure that every region is represented equally in having a shot to presidency of Nigeria. If zoning has suddenly become divisive in Nigeria, I say abolish federal character, quota system, resources control, state of origin, geopolitical zones such as south-south and in fact, states. Let us become One-Nigeria in the true sense of it.

^^^ Maybe what I should have stated is that - Federal Character and Rotation are not the same thing.

Federal Character can always be sustained, but rotation has incurable flaws. Federal Character simply means that there will be Nigerians from all parts of the Country within the Government. That is not the same thing as saying that the President must come from a particular zone.

Think about MKO's victory in 1993. Did that not show that it is possible for Nigerians to actually vote irrespective of tribe and religion. The man defeated Tofa in Tofa's home state, for crying out loud. What does that tell you?

Besides what is your view specifically of this -

3. Zoning is subversive of the natural order of succession. Now this one you have to look at very carefully and sincerely. If you have a system based on Zoning and Rotation then the President and Vice-President will always be North/South or South/North. Now in either event, in the event of the death, resignation, incapacity or impeachment of the Head, the natural order is that the deputy will step in. This is standard legal practice globally. Now that deputy will not be from that same zone, based on the zoning principle. He will be from another Zone. This will create a perpetual problem and contradiction because the zone of the predecessor will always insist that the deputy stands down for a kins man of the departed leader. That makes no sense whatsoever and will lead to political turmoil of the sort experienced during Yaradua's illness. The only way that such can logically be avoided is the recognition by all parties that leadership should NOT be determined by zoning. I hope you see the point clearly: the zoning principle is internally contradictory for the simple reason that it will produce deputies who cannot step into their Masters shoes since they are not from the same zone!

jumobi1:

In an ethnocentric/tribalistic Nigeria, if an Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa run for election, who would win most of the time? How would the other major tribe feel?

MKOs victory in 1993 showed that its is actually possible for Nigerians to vote above such narrow sentiments. It happened in 1993. If we will allow it, it can happen again and again. All we need is to stop listening to the lies of political leaders who advocate ethnic sentiments for their own narrow interests.

chosen04:

I find it difficult to fathom how same person who supported 'FEDERAL CHARACTER' CHARADE WILL TURN AROUND AND KICK AGAINST 'ZONING!!!!'

THOSE ARE DIFFERENT THEY HAVE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (FOR MINORITIES) IN AMERICA BUT AMERICA DOESNT ZONE PRESIDENCYS.- thats just stu.pid

Deep Sight:

Federal Character and Zoning are not the same thing.

This is dude living in denial or what?

Its different when it does not favour your political calculation and same when it does? . . . . . . . . . . . .*****I cant stop laffing in boko haram language*******

Deep Sight:

^^^ Maybe what I should have stated is that - Federal Character and Rotation are not the same thing.

What a clever way of running way from facing reality! . . . . . . . . . . . So Zoning and rotation are now different?

Pls stop and ask yourself a question first . . . . . .

^^^^^^^^^^

Dont misquote the guy. He simply said Federal Character and Rotation are not the same thing and that is very correct. Federal character has been with use even in military regimes, but zoning/rotation is a fresh addition.

sbeezy8:

THOSE ARE DIFFERENT THEY HAVE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (FOR MINORITIES) IN AMERICA BUT AMERICA DOESNT ZONE PRESIDENCYS.- thats just stu.pid

And Zoning the presidency doesnot have affirmative action (for all geo-political zones) in Nigeria?. Does America Zone - House of Rep. and Senate leadership positions- like in Nigeria. Did you forget to mention that?

So your geo-political zone reaps from zoning congress positions and others shouldnt gain from zoning the presidency?

Seriously, Am not afarid of Nigeria corrupt politicans, am afarid of hypocrites who are blind to realities.

na_so:

^^^^^^^^^^

Dont misquote the guy. He simply said Federal Character and Rotation are not the same thing and that is very correct. Federal character has been with use even in military regimes, but zoning/rotation is a fresh addition.

@na_so

Are you also trying to be clever by half? So you did nt see the post below from Deep sight:-

Deep Sight:

Federal Character and Zoning are not the same thing.

When DEDE1 exposed his lies he cleverly change it to ROTATION.
''
BTW . . . . . .ZONING, FEDERAL CHARACTER, ROTATIONAL POSITIONS, QUOTA SYSTEM etc are all same. ''Old wine in new bottles''.

Thus, those who enjoyed any when it favoured them have no reason(S) to complain of another when it doesnot favour them. Period!

sbeezy8:

THOSE ARE DIFFERENT THEY HAVE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (FOR MINORITIES) IN AMERICA BUT AMERICA DOESNT ZONE PRESIDENCYS.- thats just stu.pid

In accordance, USA does not have federal character, quota system and state of origin. I had vehemently argued for abolition of zoning, federal character, quota system and evne state of origin. Unfortunately, if the all divisive measures are abolished in cesspit called Nigeria, the same mouths causing zoning will still turn around to shout about a certain ethnic group dominating everything. I strongly suggest the colonial contraption called Nigeria be disintegrated.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100811063996


[size=16pt]Zoning is democratic[/size]


I write to comment on the raging issue of whether zoning of political offices among federating zones or regions is democratic or not.

Democracy or democratic system as a form of government in spite of all its liberalisation allows for certain limitations and restrictions.

For instance, the right to vote or be voted for is restricted to certain age depending on the country in issue. To those deprived, it could be argued that the practice is undemocratic. Why disallow a person of 17 years of age from voting while the person of next age could vote?

In many societies and or institutions, headship is restricted or zoned to pal1icuiar grade or level for certain justifiable reasons. Even in the Nigeria Bar Association, there is unwritten convention to rotate the headship of the Association among members from different zones.

Zoning of political offices in Nigeria is to ensure fairness, justice, national peace and integration. It is through such practice that minority areas could have a shot at the top level through the front door without necessarily entering through the back door. The practice must not only be retained but must be encouraged by all parties.

There is no area or zone in Nigeria which could not boast of good material to rule this country. For instance, Obaship in Yorubaland is restricted to ruling houses and among the ruling houses and there is rotation in order to ensure fairness. Whenever it is the turn of a ruling house to produce an Oba, they look for the best in their house, who will still be screened and must. be acceptable to all.

Although exceptional circumstances could warrant the ruling party in which the incumbent President is a member to review the gentleman‘s agreement, such a situation has not arisen. If the present national government under the headship of a former ASUU member could budget about six to N10 billion to celebrate Nigeria‘s 50th birthday, then there is no justification to dump the zoning arrangement.

For peace and tranquility, let us retain the zoning arrangement. Afterall, between 1999 and 2007, whenever the Senate President was removed, the zone was allowed to produce another person. The last time the Speaker of the House of Representatives was removed, her zone produced another Speaker.

Zoning in Nigeria will not only further the course of democracy and stabilize our nation, it would guarantee that people from both the majority and minority areas have a say and way in governance.

@ Folem -

Can you respond specifically to these points in the OP, THANKS -

2. Zoning disenfranchises the people and steals the liberty of democratic political choice - Why should the people not be free to choose exactly who they wish - regardless of where he comes from? Let us suppose that the generality of Nigerians do in fact want Goodluck Jonathan as their President. Would it not amount to a robbery of that Political will to insist that he cannot be presented to the populace for a free and democratic choice on account of his state of origin? Indeed that will be absolutely and totally undemocratic. Let's look at MKO Abiola in 1993 - a candidate that was popular across the length and breadth of Nigeria regardless of his ethnicity and religion. Let us imagine a situation where that sort of candidate is denied the oppurtunity to present himself before the people at that particular time of his popularity - would that not be a robbery of the people's democratic liberty? For this reason, Zoning is inherently undemocratic - there is NO democracy anywhere in the world that prohibits persons fom contesting office based on their ethnicity. It is not useful to state that they may do so at a later date, for heaven knows whether such a person would still be alive at that later date! Besides, if we want Barack Obama NOW, why must we be denied him and told to wait for four or eight years before we have him? That wait could make or ruin our nation, you know.

3. Zoning is subversive of the natural order of succession. Now this one you have to look at very carefully and sincerely. If you have a system based on Zoning and Rotation then the President and Vice-President will always be North/South or South/North. Now in either event, in the event of the death, resignation, incapacity or impeachment of the Head, the natural order is that the deputy will step in. This is standard legal practice globally. Now that deputy will not be from that same zone, based on the zoning principle. He will be from another Zone. This will create a perpetual problem and contradiction because the zone of the predecessor will always insist that the deputy stands down for a kins man of the departed leader. That makes no sense whatsoever and will lead to political turmoil of the sort experienced during Yaradua's illness. The only way that such can logically be avoided is the recognition by all parties that leadership should NOT be determined by zoning. I hope you see the point clearly: the zoning principle is internally contradictory for the simple reason that it will produce deputies who cannot step into their Masters shoes since they are not from the same zone!

Addittionally, do you know of any country in the world where a sitting president has been denied the right to contest the presidency on account of where he comes from? ? ? ? ?

chosen04:


@na_so

Are you also trying to be clever by half? So you did nt see the post below from Deep sight:-

When DEDE1 exposed his lies he cleverly change it to ROTATION.
''
BTW . . . . . .ZONING, FEDERAL CHARACTER, ROTATIONAL POSITIONS, QUOTA SYSTEM etc are all same. ''Old wine in new bottles''.

Thus, those who enjoyed any when it favoured them have no reason(S) to complain of another when it doesnot favour them. Period!

You are ill-informed.

Federal Character and Rotation are not the same thing, and that is a fact.

Deep Sight:

You are ill-informed.

Federal Character and Rotation are not the same thing, and that is a fact.

Stop Ranting and living in denial. You can so well also prevent continued exposure of your IDIOSYNCRASY

I do not have the time today, but I can tell you categorically that the 'invention' of zoning by the Northeren 'born to rule' political class is a BIG FRAUD.

The sole purpose of the 'political fraud' is to enable power to return to the North at which point the South will not be allowed to have the power back. Igbo 2015 is a lie, why not 2011? if IBB and Atiku are serious?

OBJ accidentally became Head of state during the military after the assasination of Murtala and only became the civilian President by virtue of the North trying to placate the South west after the political class colluded to murder MKO Abiola ( who is also a muslim). Look, guys the truth is that if South west Nigeria decide to secceed from Nigeria, that will be the end of NIgeria. An Igbo man will never fight to keep Nigeria one, Biafa remains alive.

As far as the Presidency of Nigeria is concerned 'it is the birth right ' of our Northern brothers, unfortunately they are very inept and incompetent with the power. Their track record is there for all to see.

A seconday school drop out in the South is better than the likes of IBB and others up North put together.

You can put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig.ZONING IS A FRAUD BY THE NORTH POLITICAL CLASS . period. Even that is not in the interest of the North and Nigerian's as a whole.

chosen04:

Stop Ranting and living in denial. You can so well also prevent continued exposure of your IDIOSYNCRASY

Can you tell me -

1. When Federal Character was introduced into the Nigerian system

2. When zoning/ rotation was introduced into the Nigerian system.

ALSO -

Before the 1993 election, was the office of the President Zoned to any zone? If so why was it a contest between a Northerner and a Southerner? Abiola v Tofa?

Before the 1979 election, was the office of the President Zoned to any zone? If so why was it a contest between a Northerner and a Southerner? Awolowo v Shagari?

Did Federal Character not exist whilst all these happened?

Wake up: Federal Character is NOT the same thing as zoning/ rotation. This is an elementary fact.

Deep Sight:

Can you tell me -

1. When Federal Character was introduced into the Nigerian system.

Federal Character was introduced during the Military regimes (It became more produced during IBB's tenure). To kill meritocracy and create room for mediocracy cos some people knows that their regions/state/locality lacks the best hands and heads. Before tthen appointments was 'basical based' on merits

Deep Sight:

Can you tell me -

2. When zoning/ rotation was introduced into the Nigerian system.

The CALL for Zoning/rotation started not long after the introduction of federal character. I know it was one of the issues that dominated the constitutional drafting charade during ABACHA'S tenure. It wasnt constitutional but has always dominated issues. It was even based on that that the SOUTH WEST was compensated with the presidency in 1999.

Deep Sight:


ALSO -
Before the 1993 election, was the office of the President Zoned to any zone? If so why was it a contest between a Northerner and a Southerner? Abiola v Tofa?

The 1993 was done under military regime. Citizens werent even allowed to formed political parties for the essence of that election. The regime ''created'' 2 political parties and people were ''cajoled in joining any of the two''. The election was fulled of absurdities. Like Cancelled Political party primaries on different occasions.

The absurdities after the cancelled party primaries brought Abiola and Tofa.

Deep Sight:

Before the 1979 election, was the office of the President Zoned to any zone? If so why was it a contest between a Northerner and a Southerner? Awolowo v Shagari?

Deep Sight:

Did Federal Character not exist whilst all these happened?

Are you sure you have read the nigerian constitution before?

Deep Sight:


Wake up: Federal Character is NOT the same thing as zoning/ rotation. This is an elementary fact.

Do you take pride in ranting? Compare the characteristics of Federal Character with that of Zoning/Rotation and tell the differences. Shld i help you using your starting Post?

1) Federal character emphasizes mediocracy, cheating of better hands, neptoism, that thief is my kinsmen, division and not unity.
2) Federal charcter disenfranchises (better hands) the people and steals the liberty of democratic political choice.
3) Federal Character is subversive of the natural order of succession( Have you lost admission when you scored 240 and someone with 179 was admitted?)
4) Federal Character is mediocracy encouraged/Illegalised
5) Zoning is illegal( Federal Charcater is Illegal - As far as am concerned any thing that encourages mediocracy is illegal), But mind you Illegality is neither here nor there as something that is Legal in one place can be illegal in another.

Deep Sight:

. This is an elementary fact.

The Principle, characteristics of Federal Character and Zoning/Rotation are all the same. Thus, the practise of one will lead to the call for another.

BTW, A MAN WHO ENJOYED THE BENEFITS OF FEDERAL CHARACTER HAS NO JUSTIFIABLE REASON(s) TO KICK AGAINST ZONING/ROTATION. Its is basic Truth

@ OP,

To answer your question, yes zoning is logical especially in a diverse country like ours.

All your reasons to support your stance are skewed to acchieve it. I can as well use same reasons to support my position.
However, what I think we need to always consider is the fact that, some minor tribes in our country including the current president would not have smelt the corridor of power if not for zoning. Democracy, if must be practised per se, is a game of number. If everyman votes for his fellow tribesman in an election, surely Ijaw nation will NEVER produce a president in a couintry like Nigeria.

Think about it and answer your poser objectively. Remove the wool in your eyes and you will agree that an Ijaw man would never have been a VP in Nigeria in the first place let alone the president. Even if it is the fact that the Ijaws produce 100% of the oil, it would not have mattered since we are talking about a game of number - democracy.

damas11111:

@ OP,

To answer your question, yes zoning is logical especially in a diverse country like ours.

All your reasons to support your stance are skewed to acchieve it. I can as well use same reasons to support my position.
However, what I think we need to always consider is the fact that, some minor tribes in our country including the current president would not have smelt the corridor of power if not for zoning. Democracy, if must be practised per se, is a game of number. If everyman votes for his fellow tribesman in an election, surely Ijaw nation will NEVER produce a president in a couintry like Nigeria.

Think about it and answer your poser objectively. Remove the wool in your eyes and you will agree that an Ijaw man would never have been a VP in Nigeria in the first place let alone the president. Even if it is the fact that the Ijaws produce 100% of the oil, it would not have mattered since we are talking about a game of number - democracy.

Your whole position is wrong. First of all I hope your typing of the words, "some minor tribes in our country," was done in error, because no ethnic group is minor and the Nigerian constitution says all are equal.

Goodluck Jonathan is not President today due to zoning, that is one of the greatest untruths floating around the rumour mill. He is President, only because Yar Adua died. The concept of zoning bandied around by some of our shameless politicians is simply a rotation of power amongst the most powerful, which everyone knows does not include minority ethnicities. Zoning makes ethnic minority candidates into doormats and laughingstocks; ask Pat Utomi why he has never gained traction, ask the same of Gamaliel Onosode (you will not find better candidates anywhere).

Zoning as brought up by the present crop of politicians, is simply a means to consolidate their grip on the means to steal Nigeria blind.

As logical as making GEJ President.

Beaf:

Your whole position is wrong. First of all I hope your typing of the words, "some minor tribes in our country," was done in error, because no ethnic group is minor and the Nigerian constitution says all are equal.

Goodluck Jonathan is not President today due to zoning, that is one of the greatest untruths floating around the rumour mill. He is President, only because Yar Adua died. The concept of zoning bandied around by some of our shameless politicians is simply a rotation of power amongst the most powerful, which everyone knows does not include minority ethnicities. Zoning makes ethnic minority candidates into doormats and laughingstocks; ask Pat Utomi why he has never gained traction, ask the same of Gamaliel Onosode (you will not find better candidates anywhere).

Zoning as brought up by the present crop of politicians, is simply a means to consolidate their grip on the means to steal Nigeria blind.

@ Beaf,
You can go ahead and rain curses on me after reading this. I know it's your way, so I'll not take any offence, as I've come to accept you fpr what you are.

You have either decided to ignore the truth or simply think others are dumb. How can you dare to say Jonathan was not made the VP 'cos of zoning? Would Yar'Adua have won the election if a northerner were picked as his VP? How come a Yoruba man was not picked as UMYA's VP?

Perhaps if you have forgotten some history lessons, I should remind you a bit:

During Obj's (South-West) reign, Atiku (North-East) was his deputy, Evan(s) Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo, Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara and Ken Nnamni (South-East) were Senate Presidents one after the other,  their deputy was Ibrahim Mantu (North Central). The house of Rep had Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na'Abba and Aminu Bello Masari (North West) as the various speakers and Chibudom Nwoche and Austin Opara (South-South) as deputy speakers.

These were the six top most positions in Nigeria spread across all the six different geopolitical zones.

When UMYA (North-West) came in, GEJ (South-South) was deputy, David Mark (North Central) is Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu (South-East) is his Deputy, while Patricia Olubunmi Etteh & Bankole Dimeji (South-West) was & is (respectively) the speaker of the house and Babangida Nguroje & Usman Bayero Nafada (North-East) was & is (respectively) the deputy speaker of the lower house.

Once again every single geopolitical zone in the country has a representative in the top six position in the Nigerian Government structure.

If this is not zoning (or federal character or rotation) then I do not know what it is.

If GEJ is now claiming today that Zoning has not been part of his parties structure, he is either lying out-rightly, or deliberately abusing the collective intelligence of the Nigerians.

It seems it is more difficult to make anti-zoning/rotation/federal character guys reason logically than making the proverbial horse pass through the eye of a needle. They are simply in denial and it is not surprising, after all the ultimate beneficiary (GEJ) is in denial as well. If Jonathan can throw decency and honesty in the dustbin without minding his integrity what will it cost his shameless supporters to do same?

I have no personal problem with Jonathan becoming Nigeria's president (afterall he is not the worst amongst the aspirants), but this is not the right way to go about it.
His behaviour shows that he doesn't care if he becomes the last president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Again no qualms if that is the case at the end of the day but we must remember that NO ONE, I repeat NO ONE knows who will be consumed and who will live to tell the story in the event that a civil war breaks out as a result of his ungentleman behaviour. A word, they say is enough for the wise.

JONATHAN PLEASE GO HOME.

9ijaMan:

@ Beaf,
You can go ahead and rain curses on me after reading this. I know it's your way, so I'll not take any offence, as I've come to accept you fpr what you are.

You have either decided to ignore the truth or simply think others are dumb. How can you dare to say Jonathan was not made the VP 'cos of zoning? Would Yar'Adua have won the election if a northerner were picked as his VP? How come a Yoruba man was not picked as UMYA's VP?

Perhaps if you have forgotten some history lessons, I should remind you a bit:

During Obj's (South-West) reign, Atiku (North-East) was his deputy, Evan(s) Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo, Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara and Ken Nnamni (South-East) were Senate Presidents one after the other,  their deputy was Ibrahim Mantu (North Central). The house of Rep had Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na'Abba and Aminu Bello Masari (North West) as the various speakers and Chibudom Nwoche and Austin Opara (South-South) as deputy speakers.

These were the six top most positions in Nigeria spread across all the six different geopolitical zones.

When UMYA (North-West) came in, GEJ (South-South) was deputy, David Mark (North Central) is Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu (South-East) is his Deputy, while Patricia Olubunmi Etteh & Bankole Dimeji (South-West) was & is (respectively) the speaker of the house and Babangida Nguroje & Usman Bayero Nafada (North-East) was & is (respectively) the deputy speaker of the lower house.

Once again every single geopolitical zone in the country has a representative in the top six position in the Nigerian Government structure.

If this is not zoning (or federal character or rotation) then I do not know what it is.

If GEJ is now claiming today that Zoning has not been part of his parties structure, he is either lying out-rightly, or deliberately abusing the collective intelligence of the Nigerians.

Did you actually read what GEJ said? Why not inform yourself instead of brazenly espousing opinions seemimngly tainted by a dash of ignorance or just a tentative unwillingness to actually seek out the truth? GEJ did not outrightly claim zoning was not part of PDP policy, he simply explained the policy better and his explanation made perfect sense. Please try to absorb and then dispute the following points. Zoning is not a Nigerian policy and PDP is not Nigeria. If zoning was a PDP policy why were touts like Peter Odilli and co not banned from contesting at the PDP primaries during the run up to the last elections? Did the party all of a sudden forget about zoning especially when you consider that Peter Odilli was at a point a running favourite? How can a party zone positions it has not yet won? The explanation given by Jonathan with regards to the zoning policy of the PDP in which he stated that positions won by the party were zoned after presidency and vice presidency was won makes perfect sense especially when you look at the past evidences. If zoning was a PDP policy then is it between North and South of six geopolitical zones? If it is between six geopolitical zones as you argue then why is IBB planning on running when he is not from the North West? Would he not be breaking the "zoning rules" of the party then? I just don't get it, is it because GEJ is not from one of the big three ethnic groups or what? The ethnic chauvinism one sees on nairaland can be quite disgusting.

A sitting president who constitutionally got to that position when his boss died cannot even be allowed to run for primaries in his party when people from all regions ran in the same primaries of the same party in the last elections? Why all the fear, really, why?