2023 Presidency: No Zoning, No One Nigeria – Edwin Clark Reacts To Daura’s Comment

Edwin Clark, elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has reacted to the statement by Mamman Daura, President Muhammadu Buhari’s influential nephew, on zoning of presidency in the country.

Daura had told BBC Hausa in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that there was no need for zoning the presidency to any part of the country.

He said since Nigerians had tried the rotational presidency about thrice already, it would be better to go for the most qualified candidate in 2023, irrespective of whether he comes from the North or South.

“Rotation has been done once, twice and three times; it is important that this nation should be united as one, the most qualified, competent should be elected and not someone who comes from a particular zone,” he added.

But reacting to the statement, Clark said President Buhari’s nephew had no place to speak on such matters as zoning, because, according to him, Daura had no political experience.

In an interview with AIT TV programme, Democracy Today on Wednesday, the Niger Delta elder statesman said halting the practice of zoning would cause chaos in the country and there will no longer be one united Nigeria.

“I’m not surprised at the principle statement by Mamman Daura. He has no political background; he hasn’t held any office in this country; he doesn’t belong to any political party, so he has not got any political experience,” said the PANDEF leader.

“The main fact that he is permanently a resident in Aso Rock as adviser to his uncle is not enough for him to make irresponsible statement that could jeopardize the unity of this country.

“To jettison zoning is looking for chaotic situation in this country and there will be no one Nigeria, united Nigeria because no one will be a slave to the others.”

Clark further maintained that the presidency must be rotated between North and South for the country to remain united.

“Every region in this country has people with reputation, capable, intelligent and are today wasting away because some people what to be the overlord of this country,” he said.

“So, if we want to have a united Nigeria and practise true democracy, there must be a rotation of the presidency between the north and south.

“Who are they now to say that they are rejecting rotation in the favour of competence? Are they more competent than any other Nigerian in one place?

“The solution is that when Buhari leaves, let the rotation go to the south as recommended by the national conference. We must have a united Nigeria based on equality, otherwise there will be no Nigeria.”