Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has said contest for presidency should be thrown open for competent Nigerians rather than rotating the position as has been the norm since 1999.
Bello said competence and capacity should be the key to electing the next president, saying rotational presidency has proved to be retrogressive.
In a chat with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the governor also hinted at having a go at the presidency in 2023, saying he may succumb to pressure by some Nigerians to contest.
“We have practised seemingly rotational presidencies since 1999 to date. Let us evaluate our successes or achievements from this seeming rotational presidency between then and now.
“Why don’t we simply go for the best? After all, we copy this democracy from America and some of the developed world. How many of these countries are practising rotational presidency?
“You see, we are where we are today not because we are practising rotational presidency.
“If you want to go by that rotational presidency, then do perfect zoning. Go by perfect rotation. And if you go by rotation and whichever way you come from, I don’t think you should exclude where I come from. That’s number one.
“Number two, let us get a credible, sincere, patriotic Nigerian to fix it. If you’re flying an aircraft, you don’t ask who is the pilot. If you take the operation in a hospital, you wouldn’t ask which doctor is this.
“Is he from your zone, your tribe, your religion? All you want is the best pilot to fly you safely to your destination. All you want is the best doctor to handle you and deliver you safely from the operation.
“I think Nigeria is at that point now of seeking the best from anywhere in this country, irrespective of where he comes from. Thereafter, you balance your remaining positions to reflect equity, fairness and justice. That is my position,” he stated.
Bello, who said the pressure on him to run for presidency has been overwhelming, also said he has the competence and capability to lead the country.
“These are the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians urging me to run. And I have said that in the days to come, weeks and days ahead, I am going to give a resounding response to this overwhelming majority of voices across the length and breadth of Nigeria. And I did promise that I will not disappoint Nigerians.
“I will give resounding response to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.
