The People’s Democratic Party, PDP Chieftain, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje has cautioned against calls for regional recognition by various groups in the country’s six geo-political zones ahead of the 2023 general elections. According to him, such persistent call is dangerous to Nigeria’s existence, emphasising that he believes in a united Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also the new Tafida of Ilorin, Baraje, said that Nigeria had never been this divided.
“I know that all sections of Nigeria are fighting for recognition and inclusiveness, and I think North Central should not keep quiet. North Central has not produced either the president or the vice president. However, we should not over flog it not to divide Nigeria. I’ve also said North Central should be carried along, but I had never followed up on the matter since I said that long ago because it is dangerous. I only said that then to sensitise the people.
“The tendency of repeating the call is happening now with South East, South West, North Central, and all other sections coming up to say it’s their turn to get the president. Let’s re-echo the need for Nigeria to be one after the next general elections. Nigeria has never been this divided. Recognition of regionalism is getting too much,” he said.
Alhaji Baraje, who cleared the air on a statement credited to former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said the PDP constitution had been reviewed to allow zoning. The former vice president was not talking about zoning in the political parties but the nation’s constitution.
“Zoning arrangement was not there in the PDP constitution before but had been included in the party’s constitution. It says that zoning should be respected to give a sense of belonging to all party members and inclusiveness, except and only when a resolution of NEC decides otherwise. Zoning was even an oral tradition of the PDP and highly respected before it was added to the party’s constitution.
“I think what he (Atiku) was talking about is that zoning is not in Nigeria’s constitution and not that it is not in the PDP constitution,” he said.
The former PDP national chairman also advised the leadership of political parties to be more patriotic in their operations and encourage inclusiveness and commitment among members.
“Political parties are being run in Nigeria too freely. Anyone can wake up and say he’s or she’s a member of a political party. Political parties should be able to organise membership data capturing and registration and fix affordable levies and dues for each member to encourage inclusiveness and commitment,” he added.
Alhaji Baraje appreciated the Emir of Ilorin and the people of Ilorin in general for being recognised with the traditional title of Tafida, saying that it gave him the feeling of fulfilment of what God had allowed him to do for his people.
He added that the recognition called for more selfless efforts and contributions to societal development in education, empowerment, and community value.
Meanwhile, all arrangements have been concluded against Friday 18/2/2022 for the formal turbaning of Alhaji Baraje as the new Tafida of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at the Emir’s palace beginning at ten o’clock in the morning.
Editor/Suzan O.
