ABUJA – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has called for a constitutional amendment to clearly define the roles of deputy governors in governance.
Speaking at the 2024 National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, Ganduje emphasized the need for deputies to have specified functions to enhance governance.
The conference, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” brought together former deputy governors from across the country.
Ganduje, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of cooperation between governors and their deputies for effective governance.
“Deputy governors are very important in governance. Nobody can do it alone. We have to share responsibilities in governance for it to produce more results. Governance is a collective effort,” Ganduje stated.
He encouraged deputies to cultivate excellent relationships with their principals, as harmonious teamwork is key to achieving productivity.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Forum and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr. Chris Akomas, called on the National Assembly to pass a bill establishing State Economic Councils.
According to Akomas, this would address the issue of abandoned projects across the country. He lamented that successive governments often discontinue projects initiated by their predecessors, a practice that stalls state development.
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“We sent a number of suggestions to the National Assembly. We should have a state economic council. Governors abandon projects by their predecessors, and this shouldn’t be. With a state economic council, it will help develop the state. It is one good thing to be done,” Akomas said.
He also highlighted the forum’s partnership with the Polish Nigeria Business Council, emphasizing the role of international collaboration in fostering good governance and sustainable growth. “In our quest for sustainable growth, we recognize the importance of collaboration beyond our borders. Our partnership with the Polish Nigeria Business Council will be pivotal in sharing knowledge and expertise,” Akomas added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, His Excellency Obong Victor Attach said as a forum of quality managers of human and material resources, you have a critical role in nation-building through advocacy for good policy initiatives, promoting accountability, and upholding Nigeria’s core national values.
“I must respectfully disagree with the notion that the 1999 Constitution is sufficient for Nigeria’s progress. Instead, I align with your 2022 Annual General Meeting findings, which identified the military regime’s command structure as a defilement of Nigeria’s federalism, entrenched in the 1999 Constitution. This has hindered good governance, accountability, inclusiveness, productivity, and development. I urge you to deeply consider these challenges, discuss frankly, and provide solutions to help Nigeria become a thriving nation” he added.
Also, the Co-Chairman of the conference and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Oluwasegun Osoba, weighed in on the frequent impeachment of deputy governors, stressing that such issues stem from poor relationships rather than legal shortcomings. Osoba urged deputies to foster positive relationships with their governors to avoid conflicts that could lead to impeachment.
“Impeachment is not a challenge that can be resolved by law. Deputy governors should have good relationships with the governors to avoid rancor and impeachment,” Osoba advised. He also expressed optimism that one day, a former deputy governor might rise to become the president of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Hon. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, the Director-General of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), highlighted the forum’s progress since its inception in 2011. He noted that the FFDGN has become a significant player in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, hosting two successful conferences and producing key policy recommendations for decision-makers.
“Our 3rd National Conference aims to continue sharing insights to address Nigeria’s development gaps. We are committed to playing our part in shaping the future of governance in Nigeria,” Ibe-Kalu remarked.
As the forum continues its work, it is clear that former deputy governors are playing an increasingly active role in addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges, with a focus on sustainable growth, food security, and good governance.
