The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has been consistent in its demand for a Nigeria, and indeed Africa, led by the most capable hands and the brightest minds who are driven by a high sense of purpose and growth-based agenda.
Competence, obviously, is central to achieving this. But we equally recognize that it is one element of the matrix.
National stability, wrought by social justice and inclusion, is also key. Hence, government composition, in line with Nigeria’s federal constitution, must acknowledge and put into account the country’s diversity in such a way that all segments of the Nigerian society, especially the often overlooked ‘minorities’, derive a sense of fair representation.
With the emergence of a same-faith presidential pairing of male members of the South West and North Eastern parts of the country, we believe, like so many Nigerians, that the accompanying political process leading to the (s)election of other important national officeholders must pay serious attention to such needs as ethnic, region, religious, and gender balancing.
As such, in the specific case of the Senate President, the third highest ranking government official in the country, the ruling party with a controlling majority in the parliament, must manage the selection process to deliberately cater to the aforementioned goal of social justice.
The history of political power distribution in Nigeria and present dynamics justify the ceding of the Senate Presidency to a Christian from the South South geo-political zone of the country.
It is perhaps the most effective way to ensure a satisfactory inclusion of the hugely important region in the leadership of the country; a development certain to calm agitations in the region and help the country avoid possible uprisings that may threaten its fragile economy, especially as it is about to veer into uncharted waters with the planned removal of the oil subsidy.
Our stand is based on Nigeria’s history and the need for inclusive leadership as a precursor to peace and stability in a country as diverse and polarized as Nigeria.
Signed:
Prince John Mayaki,
Country Director,
Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa
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