As prominent Nigerians continue to clamour for the Presidency to be ceded to the South in 2023, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon has renewed the call for zoning and rotational presidency among the six geo-political zones.
Gen. Gowon said rotating the office is key to peace, tranquility and development.
Besides, the former Head of State, who spoke in Abuja at 100th anniversary of Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA), canvassed the rotation of the presidency among the 19 Northern states, adding that, no ethnic group is better outside the nation than inside as one united Nigeria. He said: “Presidency should be zoned and rotated among the six geo-political zones of the country. This is key to peace, tranquility and development of our country. Also, among the 19 northern states, the Nigerian presidential position should be rotated.”
He suggested that Nigeria should henceforth, have two vice presidents, saying that one of them should come from the zone producing the President and the other elected into power during the presidential election.
Gowon who spoke on the topic: “Barewa College at centenary: Past, present and future,” also said the governorship position in all states of the federation should also be rotated among the three senatorial districts, saying that, such would help address the crisis of marginalisation.
While stressing the need for a united Nigeria, Gowon said Boko Haram, banditry and kidnapping have threatened the peace and the tranquility needed for educational development in the country. He noted that insecurity is giving the northern region a bad name and image.
“Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping have threatened the peace and tranquility needed for educational development in our land. Insecurity in any nation threatens development, law and order. Insecurity must be ruthlessly dealt with collectively to pave way for the development of the education sector and development,” he said.