Elections
What Anambra Needs Is Good Leadership, Not Zoning
By Ike Klinsmann
Pharm Ike Klinsmann interrogates the merits of good leadership against the context of geographical zoning in the narratives emerging ahead of the Anambra State governorship election.
Leadership should not be a rotation of Mediocrity or a turn-by-turn affair; it should be about capability and results.
Anambra State, often referred to as the “Light of the Nation,” is at a critical juncture in its political and socio-economic development. The state has faced numerous challenges over the years, including unemployment, insecurity, kidnapping, and infrastructural decay. While these issues are not unique to Anambra, their persistence has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current leadership and the political strategies employed to address them. One of the most debated topics in the state’s political landscape is the zoning formula, which rotates governorship positions among the three senatorial zones. While zoning aims to ensure equity and inclusivity, it is increasingly clear that what Anambra State truly needs is not a zoning formula but good leadership capable of tackling its pressing problems.
Governor Charles Soludo’s tenure, which is part of the Anambra South Senatorial zone’s eight-year slot, has brought the zoning debate to the forefront. While zoning may have been designed to promote fairness and give all regions a sense of belonging, it has inadvertently shifted focus away from the core issue: the quality of leadership.
Anambra State’s challenges are too complex and urgent to be resolved by simply rotating power among zones. What the state requires is a leader with the vision, competence, and political will to address unemployment, insecurity, and other critical issues. Zoning, while well-intentioned, cannot guarantee such leadership. In fact, it risks producing leaders who are more focused on fulfilling regional expectations than delivering tangible results.
Unemployment, for instance, is a ticking time bomb. The state has a large population of young, educated individuals who are unable to find meaningful employment. This has led to a rise in social vices, including crime and drug abuse. A good leader would prioritize job creation by attracting investments, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
By creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, the government can reduce unemployment and empower the youths to contribute positively to the society.
A good leader should also prioritize job creation by investing in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. They would also create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, thereby reducing the unemployment rate. Zoning, on the other hand, does not inherently address these issues. It merely ensures that power is distributed geographically, without any guarantee that the leader from a particular zone will have the skills or commitment to tackle unemployment.
Insecurity is another major challenge facing Anambra State. Kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal clashes have become commonplace, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. These security threats have not only endangered lives but also discouraged investment in the state. We should prioritize security by strengthening law enforcement agencies, investing in intelligence gathering, and fostering community engagement to combat crime. Zoning, however, does not provide a solution to insecurity. It is the quality of leadership that determines whether security challenges are effectively addressed, not the region from which the leader hails.
Infrastructural development is also a critical area that requires attention. Many parts of Anambra State lack basic amenities such as good roads, clean water, and reliable electricity. This not only affects the quality of life of the residents but also hinders economic growth.
By improving the state’s infrastructure, the government can attract more investors, boost economic activities, and enhance the overall well-being of the people.
Education and healthcare are two other sectors that demand urgent intervention. Anambra State has a rich history of academic excellence, but the quality of education has declined in recent years due to inadequate funding and poor management. A good leader would revamp the education sector by increasing funding, training teachers, and providing modern learning facilities. Similarly, the healthcare system is in dire need of reform. Many hospitals lack essential equipment and drugs, forcing patients to seek treatment elsewhere.
Moreover, the zoning formula has the potential to perpetuate mediocrity in leadership. By prioritizing regional representation over merit, the state risks electing leaders who lack the necessary qualifications or experience to govern effectively. This could further exacerbate Anambra’s problems rather than solving them. Good leadership, on the other hand, is characterized by competence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.
In conclusion, while the zoning formula may have its merits in promoting equity and inclusivity, it is not a panacea for Anambra State’s problems. Anambra State needs leaders who are visionary, competent, and committed to the welfare of the people, regardless of their senatorial zone. Only then can the state truly live up to its potential as the “Light of the Nation.”
Gov. Soludo chances in the next election will be determined not by an unwritten Zoning Formula but by his competence while in office
Unfortunately looking at his abysmal performance on security and an unsuccessful “hostile take over: of the LGA’s funds in the state, that chances remains but very slim
Pharm Ike Chinedu Klinsmann, OHAMADIKE Dunukofia, Writes from Sweden
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