Concept of deputising controversial — Ganduje

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umaru Ganduje, has advocated for defined constitutional roles for deputy governors in Nigeria and emphasised the importance of a cordial relationship with governors to enhance democracy and good governance.

Ganduje, a former deputy governor and later governor of Kano State, made these remarks during the third 2024 National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in Abuja.

Commending the forum for its cohesion, Ganduje referenced a meeting he attended as a deputy governor with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was also a former deputy governor of Bayelsa State.

“This concept of deputising is very controversial. 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 we as human beings, and for governance, there must be a plan for succession,” he explained.

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He said there must be a succession plan in governance, as leaders can fall ill or pass away unexpectedly.

“The difference between a governor and a deputy governor is situational. It is not biological or physical but circumstantial,” he noted. Both positions, he argued, must work collaboratively to share governance responsibilities effectively.

Ganduje pointed out the lack of defined constitutional roles for deputy governors, contrasting them with the vice president, who has specific functions outlined in the constitution.

“These are issues we need to deliberate on. If there’s a constitutional review, perhaps we can include certain provisions for deputy governors,” he suggested.

Dr Chris Akomas, National Chairman of the FFDGN and former deputy governor of Abia State, echoed Ganduje’s sentiments. He stressed the pressing issues facing Nigeria, such as governance challenges and food insecurity, and called for effective governance strategies to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable growth.

Akomas highlighted the unique perspectives deputy governors bring from their experiences in office, underscoring the need for a united front in nation-building. “We must champion good governance, equity, and equal opportunities for all,” he stated.

Former governors Obong Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State and Chief Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State emphasised that the roles of deputy governors are just as crucial as those of governors and should be leveraged for national development.