By John Ighodaro
CALABAR — Former Minister and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, has said that the zoning formula in the party exists and it remains, adding, however, that it could be amended.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard weekend in Calabar, Chief Babatope said, “I am not particularly happy about the nauseating media pronouncements by some organisations calling on President Goodluck Jonathan either to contest or not to contest. I consider the actions of these groups as being brazenly opportunistic.”

“I know that the PDP will find a solution to the problem. Let it, however, be noted that as long as Section 7, subsection 2c remains in the PDP Constitution, the zoning of political offices remains. If the section will be amended, it must be taken by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP to the National Executive Council to the Board of Trustees and finally to the national convention of the PDP,” he said.

He argued that if that route as taken, the logjam could be solved, adding that there was another option which he doubted could work, but which, however, could be tried.

According to him, “the PDP Working Committee can also legally seek the consent of the National Executive Committee of the party and seek power to act on behalf of the convention. This action can later be taken to convention for a subsequent approval. This point I have made is however legally contestable.”

Reiterating that zoning is a PDP affair, he said, “zoning is a PDP affair, because it is contained in section 7, subsection 2c of the New PDP constitution. Before the PDP can jettison zoning, it is imperative for the convention of the PDP to meet and take a decision on that very section.”

He was of the opinion that “even though it is true and correct that under the Nigerian constitution, President Jonathan or any Nigerian for that matter is free to contest for any elective position, the truth however about the PDP is that section 7, subsection 2c of the party constitution must be addressed.

My own solution to the zoning problem is that both sides of the argument must be brought together to discuss the way forward on the zoning problem.”

He expressed optimism, saying, “I am positive in my mind that solutions will be got to the problem through these discussions. I always want to advice that in the interest of peace and stability of Nigeria, people should be very careful in the utterances they are making.”

Arguing further, he said, “I know very well that President Goodluck Jonathan is not the type of person who will want to disregard party rules and regulations for selfish ends. This is why I commend him warning his aides not to issue statements on Presidential Elections 2011 as it affects him for now.

I know that if President jonathan will contest, it will be with his total respect  and submission to party rules and regulations. Jonathan is a very intelligent  person and he is highly patriotic. I had the opportunity of working with him when we served together  in the Ekiti governorship re_run election committee of the PDP.

Then he was vice president of the country. He did an excellent job,” he added.