Kwande will lead in prioritizing merit and excellence over narcissistic micro-zoning, which often produces fewer sterling candidates in 2027. Engr. Terlumun Isaac Iyorhen, Convener of the Kwande Rebirth Forum, stated this while sharing his thoughts on the subject: “The zoning of progress we started with is one we must sustain.”
It has been the political culture in Benue State, particularly among the Tiv people in Benue North East and Benue North West, to zone elective political offices.
According to Engr. Iyorhen, this zoning was originally predicated on merit for a community, intrinsically tied to individuals with excellent credentials who were seen as having the winning streak for the party.
“This was the zoning principle that produced good results, yielding candidates known for selfless, accountable, and commendable service. This can be attested to in the Aper Aku era, when Benue virtually brought forward its best,” Engr. Iyorhen stated.
He expressed concern that the zoning principle currently practiced in the body politic of the Tiv people has deviated from its original intent, noting that it is now “against the grain and spirit of what was planted for progress,” and is “responsible for our continuing decline in all facets of development.”
To get back on track toward progressive growth, Engr. Iyorhen advocates a return to the foundational Tiv zoning criteria, which he says has been abandoned for narrow interests.
“We have to redirect zoning positions to where there are exceptional candidates of proven ability who can deliver on all fronts of need.
“Doing the needful in our zoning practices for public offices will benefit us greatly by reversing the overriding clannishness we have zealously adopted as a standard, patronizing approach,” he counseled.
While rejecting zoning based on clannishness and the “our turn” syndrome, Engr. Iyorhen asserted that Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) is set to lead by example.
“Kwande LGA is ready to lead the way in adopting merit and excellence in the candidature of Prof. Kohol Shadrach Iornem of Ushongo LGA, who best fits the bill for the House of Representatives seat in 2027. The federal constituency comprises Ushongo and Kwande LGAs. Kwande has unanimously decided that Ushongo should produce the next House of Representatives member, having identified Prof. Kohol Iornem as a strong contender. That is zoning with predictable results.
“If Ushongo LGA, however, refuses to be properly guided and insists on narcissistic micro-zoning that produces a less stellar candidate, it may result in another setback for Kwande.
“This is no rocket science beyond our basic understanding, but a plain truth that we must continue to apply for our progress.
“It is high time we discarded these self-serving and harmful political zoning practices and moved toward our land of promise,” Engr. Iyorhen concluded.
