By George Onah
PORT HARCOURT—Ahead of the 2011 general elections, a group of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, under the aegis of “Vision Nigeria 2011” have commended the Governors of the South-South “for courageously rejecting the so-called zoning system and pitching their tents with President Goodluck Jonathan” in the 2011 presidential election.
“We believe the time has come in the history of our great country to put an end to the political shenanigans of the zoning of political offices irrespective of whether those who are foisted on us by the anomaly of zoning have the skills to run the country or not.”

In a statement, yesterday, the group’s Co-ordinator,  Mrs. Assele  Tshuinza, said “Nigerians should crave for the fundamentals of absolute democratic processes, which will bridge the gap between the politicians, ruling class and the peoples’ mandate.”

“The vast majority of ordinary Nigerians want a nation that is free of tribalism, one in which any Nigerian can be President, Governor, Minister or  occupy any position for the growth and benefit of the country at large. Whatever the reasoning behind the so_called zoning formula is in the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, we believe the arrangement is seen as undemocratic the world over and serves no useful purpose for the nation other than tribalism.”

The group was of the view that “President Jonathan has made pronouncements and decisions, which indicate that he is capable of delivering a better and fairer future for all Nigerians if allowed to run the affairs of the country”.

It called on other zones in the country to follow the example of the South-South zone by also declaring their stand on the forth coming general elections, particularly as it relates to the presidency.