Zoning Breeds Incompetence, Creates Sense of Entitlement, Says Edo APC Governorship Aspirant, Dekeri

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja.

A governorship aspirant and member representing Etsako Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Anamero Dekeri, has kicked against zoning of leadership positions, saying it breeds incompetence and also promotes a sense of entitlement.

Dekeri stated this on Thursday in Abuja while declaring interest the governorship position in Edo state.

Recall that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled its governorship primary election for February 17, 2024.

His call came amid clamour in some quarters that the governorship seat be zoned to Edo Central Senatorial District.

The lawmaker who hails from Edo North also explained that the senatorial district has been shortchanged among the three senatorial zones in the state.

Dekeri pointed out that while Edo Central has produced two democratically elected governors since the creation of the state, Edo South has ruled the state four times as against once by Edo North.

He said: “It’s high time Nigerians began to see beyond leadership of turn by turn. Because in my view, it breeds incompetence and once an individual begins to have a sense of entitlement, it could bring out the worst of that human. We should be looking at a nation or state where we enthrone leaders on the strength of competence, commitment and the will to lead”.

While responding to questions, Dekeri explained that in terms of number, Edo Central has the least population among the three senatorial districts with about 12 per cent of the voting population of the state and they have produced two consecutive governors.

He added: “Edo North, where I come from, has the second largest population in the state, with about 36% of the state population. We have only been privileged to produce a governor in the person of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“Like I said earlier, all states in the nation should see beyond this turn-by-turn mentality. We have to look at people with the right competencies, and the right skill set to lead our states and I think we need to grow beyond this.

“The issue of zoning, APC as a party in Edo State is not the ruling party. You can only give what you have, we are looking at how we will wrestle power from this Obaseki-led leadership that is bereft of ideas that the state is subject to. We should have the power first before talking about zoning”.

The lawmaker described the Godwin Obaseki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government as a failure.

According to him, Even the blind can see that the government of the state led by Godwin Obaseki is an abysmal failure. People are suffering, people are dying. Basic infrastructures have collapsed. The industries to employ our teaming population are no longer there, all sectors are in bad shape.

Dekeri noted that his vision for Edo State was one of progress and prosperity, adding that he aspires to create an environment where every child has access to quality education, while the youth are equipped with skills for the future, and industries flourish, generating employment and driving economic growth.

He said: “I am committed to transparent and accountable leadership, prioritising the needs of the people. We will work together to eradicate corruption, create a conducive business environment, and ensure that the benefits of democracy reach every corner of our beloved state.”