Benue South 2027: Respect zoning arrangements for peace, fairness, equity – Abounu

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

An elder statesman and former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu, has called on political actors in Benue South Senatorial District to respect the existing zoning arrangements in the interest of peace, fairness and equity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abounu said any politician seeking a third or fourth term in the Senate without regard to the rotational arrangement was doing a disservice to the political unity and survival of the Idoma nation.

He made the call in Makurdi while speaking to journalists on the political choices confronting the people of Benue South ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that elective positions should rotate among the various political blocs in the district to give different communities opportunities to produce representatives.

According to him, zoning was particularly important at the present stage of Nigeria’s democratic development because prolonged denial of political opportunities to some sections of the district could create disenchantment and threaten the existing harmony among the people.

“If you ask me, I will say that anybody seeking the position of senator, on the premise of zoning and fairness, should understand that the position should rotate within the senatorial district.

“This is necessary because, if we continue to disregard the principle of zoning, the disenchantment will reach a level where we can no longer maintain harmony in our society. And without harmony, there can be no meaningful development.

“So whoever is contemplating a third or fourth term is doing a lot of disservice to the political survival of Idoma nation,” he said.

Abounu noted that Benue South had no shortage of qualified persons capable of occupying political offices, saying every part of the district had individuals with the capacity and experience to represent the people.

“Luckily for us, there is no area in Benue South where we do not have people who are highly qualified for any position in government,” he said.

The former deputy governor said the zoning principle should not be restricted to the Senate, but should also guide consideration of other elective positions, including the governorship and other political offices.

“Unfortunately, we have been dwelling on the Senate seat, but this zoning issue is not limited to the Senate. The governorship and other elective positions should also be considered,” he said.

On the 2027 Senate contest, Abounu said the electorate should give consideration to the existing zoning arrangement, noting that the contest, from the perspective of the arrangement he referenced, involved Oju/Obi and Apa/Agatu.

“For the sake of fairness, equity and justice, there should be a proper consideration of the zoning arrangement so that we can continue to live together as brothers and sisters, rather than have some people feel so disenchanted that they begin to agitate for independence,” he said.

However, Abounu cautioned voters against making their choices solely on the basis of zoning, urging them to also examine the antecedents, character, records and commitment of candidates seeking elective offices.

He advised voters to investigate the previous public service records of candidates, where applicable, and assess their relationship with the people, willingness to listen and commitment to the welfare of their constituents.

“Above all, the people should not vote for someone simply because that person wants the office,” he said.

Abounu stressed that political office should be viewed primarily as an avenue for public service rather than personal enrichment.

“Public office is not meant to be an avenue for acquiring money and affluence. If someone wants money and affluence, there are legitimate businesses they can engage in. But when you are representing the people in the political sector, it is about service,” he said.

He therefore urged the people of Benue South to consider candidates who demonstrate a commitment to public service and the welfare of their constituents as they make their choices in the 2027 elections.