Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has urged Nigerians to select a credible and patriotic president instead of practising a rotational presidency based on ethnic sentiments.

Mr Bello, who said he might heed the call to contest the 2023 presidential election, stressed that competence and capacity should be the criteria for electing the next president and not ethnic sentiments.

“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 a 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,” he said while speaking with journalists after his closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He added, “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 our problems. 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.”

Making further argument regarding a credible president as against rotational presidency, he asserted, “All you want is you want 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 and remain in position to reflect equity, fairness and justice. That is my position.”

Mr Bello also lauded Mr Buhari’s efforts in sustaining the unity of the country.

“I use this opportunity to appreciate Mr President for what he has been doing for this country and for keeping us united.

“I assured Mr President of our continued support in making sure that Kogi state being the gateway between the North and South continue to hold forth and ensure that the centre continues to hold. Mr President is very pleased with our successes in Kogi State so far and has urged us to continue to do more.’’

Bello said he would give “a resounding response’’ to those calling on him to run for president at the appointed time.

(NAN)