Ganduje seeks constitutional roles for deputy governors

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has demanded specific constitutional roles for deputy governors which will enhance cordial relationships with governors to deepen democracy and good governance in the country.

Ganduje made the call at the 3rd National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria” which was on Tuesday at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotels).

While commending the Forum for maintaining the cohesion and spirit of the togetherness since inception, Ganduje himself, a former deputy governor to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Kano State, said the issue of deputizing is very key, though controversial, in the Nigerian concept.

He said inasmuch as God has destined some to be leaders due to circumstances they find themselves, they (the leaders) have to be supported by other people to discharge their duties effectively. He nonetheless called for constitutional review where few paragraphs can be included in favour of deputy governors.

“Deputy governorship or deputizing though we talk of deputy governors but the whole issue is the concept. The concept is very important. Whether you are a deputy governor, whether you are a vice president and vice principal and deputy vice chancellor, it is the same concept of deputizing. And this concept of deputizing is a very a controversial concept.

“Because of its controversy, even in theology, God has no deputy. Allah has no deputy because of the controversial nature of the deputyship. God said everybody is a servant. Allah said everybody is a servant. Even His prophets are His servants. So, it is an issue that is a no-go area. But as human beings and for governance, there must be a plan for succession.

“Because if you have a leader, that leader does not determine per se his continuity in the position. So, if you have a leader, he can fall sick, he needs somebody to steer the ship of the nation or of the state. He can die abruptly. So there must be somebody to take over.

“It is a sheer situational. God has destined one to be the leader as a result of circumstance. Therefore, both the principal and the deputy must assist each other in all areas of governance. Nobody can do it alone. We have to share responsibility.

“I know there is a controversy that deputy governors should have a prescribed function in the Constitution. Luckily, the vice president has some functions as stated by the Constitution. But for deputy governors, there is no specification of anything whatsoever. His function is what is being assigned to him by the principal.

“I think these are issues that we will continue to deliberate on. Probably if there is review of the constitution, maybe certain paragraphs can be included in favour of the deputy governors,” Ganduje, also a former governor, stated.

National chairman of the FFDGN and a former Abia State deputy governor, Dr Chris Akomas, said that the theme captured the pressing issues that demand urgent attention as Nigeria navigates the complexities of nation building.

“Nigeria is undoubtedly endowed with vast natural resources, a large population, awesome human resources and a rich cultural heritage. However, despite these advantages, we grapple with significant issues: governance challenges, food insecurity and the difficulty of addressing sustainable growth.

“As leaders and citizens committed to our nation’s progress; we must chart a course that leads to effective and efficient governance, ensure food security, investing to drastically reduce poverty and hunger, eliminate insecurity, and ensure sustainable economic development. Nation building is a formidable challenge that requires unwavering commitment and innovative thinking,” he said.

According to Akomas, the role of deputy governors has historically been one of support and stabilization of governance structures while adding that deputy governors understand the intricacies of governance and the need of the communities.

Former governors of Akwa Ibom and Ogun States Obong Victor Attah and Chief Olusegun Osoba respectively, in their remarks, said that the role of deputy governors is as important as that of their principals and demanded that they should be given the opportunities to contribute to good governance and national development.

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