The Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has said Nigeria can be transformed within four years, while arguing that zoning remains necessary to promote unity and stability in the country.
Amadi stated that the debate over zoning is not contained in the Nigerian Constitution but maintained that the political arrangement can serve as a tool for creating harmony and a sense of belonging among different sections of the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, Amadi said Nigeria requires stronger integration and stability to address its challenges.
According to him, while the country may not be completely changed within eight years, meaningful progress can be achieved within four years.
“So, I will believe that Nigeria needs more stability, more unity, integration and oneness. We are not going to change Nigeria in eight years but we can save Nigeria in four years.
“The Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit anyone from running for any elective office, provided you meet the constitutional qualification.
“But, the people have a right to decide whether to elect you or not. So the whole debate around zoning does not in any way imply that anybody has constitutional prohibition from election.
“I support zoning, and again, there is no idealism or puritanism about political institutions. So in Nigeria today, the element of zoning makes sense,” he said.
Amadi added that political institutions should be designed to address the realities and concerns of society, insisting that zoning remains relevant in Nigeria’s current political environment.
