By Dr. Kor Felix,
In a disturbing echo of the 2004 political crisis, we have heard that a small group of individuals in Kwande has conspired to jettison the zoning arrangement of chairmanship in Kwande Local Government, imposing a candidate from the Shangev Ya clan against the will of the people. This brazen move threatens to plunge the local government into another cycle of political instability and division.
The forced imposition of a chairman on Kwande in 2004 left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Kwande and sparked widespread protests and a breakdown in trust. The people’s voices were ignored, and the consequences were dire. Today, history is about repeating itself, as a few individuals prioritize their interests over the collective well-being of Kwande.
The zoning arrangement, intended to promote balance and equity, has instead become a source of contention and division. A few individuals have unilaterally decided to abandon the zoning arrangement, paving the way for a Shangev Ya candidate to contest the chairmanship even though it is constitutional. The actions of these individuals may be a slap in the face to the people of Kwande, who have repeatedly expressed their desire for fair and representative leadership, prioritizing their own interests over the collective well-being; it is a blatant disregard for the people’s wishes and a betrayal of trust. The zoning arrangement was intended to promote balance and equity, but this power play is turning it into a tool for manipulation.
This betrayal is likely to have far-reaching implications such as renewed divisions and tensions, erosion of trust in leadership and institutions, political instability and potential violence, disenfranchisement of the people, and suppression of their voices.
The zoning system has been instrumental in promoting peace and stability in Kwande and Benue State at large, ensuring that leadership positions are rotated among four clans in Kwande, namely Turan, Ikurav-Ya, Shangev-Ya, and Nanev; it has prevented the dominance of one clan over others. This has fostered a sense of belonging and inclusivity, allowing every clan to contribute to the Kwande’s development.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s emergence as Governor is a testament to the effectiveness of the zoning system. As a beneficiary of this system, he understands the importance of upholding the principle of fair sharing and zoning. His commitment to inclusivity and equity is not in doubt and he should ensure that the forthcoming local government elections are conducted in a manner that respects the zoning arrangement to avoid a breakdown of order and peace enjoyed so far in Kwande.
The Ishangev-ya clan has been a beacon of political peace and stability in Kwande, consistently upholding the zoning principle of chairmanships for decades. Their commitment to the zoning principle has been unwavering, demonstrating their integrity and dedication to fairness. They have resisted inducements and pressures to jettison the zoning principle over decades, prioritizing the collective well-being of Kwande over personal interests. Their consistency and integrity have earned them the trust and respect of the people, and it is essential to maintain this trust.
However, it is an appeal that these individuals consider the interests of the people of Kwande and resist the temptation to disrupt the established order by upholding the zoning principle, as they will be celebrated as guardians of peace and stability, champions of fairness and equity, leaders who prioritize the people’s interests, and visionaries who think beyond personal gain. In contrast, disrupting the zoning arrangement may lead to a loss of trust and respect from the people, perception as self-serving and divisive leaders, contributors of conflict and instability in Kwande, and a tarnished legacy that may haunt them for years to come.
We urge younger individuals or those considering disrupting the zoning arrangement to prioritize the interests of the people of Kwande by upholding the zoning principle; they can earn a reputation as leaders who truly care about the well-being of their community. Let us choose the path of integrity, fairness, and equity, and work towards a brighter future for Kwande as we allow the Turan clan to produce chairman. Tar Ngu Timin Nyian Ga!
Dr. Kor Felix writes from Mbaza
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