MICROZONING ELECTIVE POSITIONS AS RECIPE FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

While the practice of zoning elective positions seems to be gaining momentum in Nigeria particularly with the observed apportioning of elective positions to selected geopolitical zones after the 2019 general elections, this advocacy paper posits that the manner with which the ruling elites dictate who gets what, how and when instead of allowing positions to microminiaturely rotate successionally among component units of the federation is unfair. With the Theory of Equity serving as a guiding compass and unfolded events in the politics and governance of Kogi State since its creation as analytical data, we argue that the extant modus operandi more often than not favours sections of the polity at the expense of others as the power-players do not only arrogate lucrative positions to their enclaves, but also selfishly amass state resources. This is one of the root causes of the ethnic based conflicts as well as minority agitations which have engulfed the Nigerian political environment. As a recommendation therefore, we admonish the governing elite to adopt micro-zoning of elective political positions in order to give every component part of the federation a sense of belonging as this will surely engender peace as well as promote national security and development.