Abuja: Former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has called upon the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) to actively foster harmonious relationships between governors and their deputies to enhance democratic governance. Ganduje, who serves as the National Patron of the forum, emphasized the importance of their role during a courtesy visit by forum members in Abuja, preceding the forum’s fifth national conference.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ganduje urged the forum to intervene in disputes between governors and their deputies, highlighting the members’ unique experience in resolving such conflicts. He stated, “I believe your forum should make it one of its responsibilities to help resolve conflicts between governors and their deputies whenever they arise. Such efforts will command respect because you understand the responsibilities of both offices and the dynamics of that relationship.”
Ganduje also encouraged the forum to keep abreast of political developments across the states and offer governance advice, transcending political affiliations. He underscored the vital role of deputy governors, citing constitutional provisions for continuity in governance and the extensive responsibilities involved.
The former governor pointed out the recurring conflicts between predecessors and successors and suggested this issue as a future conference theme, noting its prevalence across political parties. “These problems still occur because of individual attitudes, misuse of power and, in many cases, the influence of sycophants on both sides,” he remarked.
As a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ganduje lauded the forum’s efforts and accepted an invitation to its upcoming national conference on Oct. 20 and 21. Dr Chris Akomas, the forum’s Chairman, revealed that the conference would address themes of nation-building, leadership, and national unity, aiming to close the gap between leaders and citizens.
Akomas added that the forum’s Board of Trustees had reached out to patrons like Ganduje to express appreciation and secure their involvement in the conference. He also highlighted a recent visit to the forum’s Grand Patron, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who praised the forum’s progress and confirmed his attendance at the conference.
The forum, a non-partisan body of former deputy governors from Nigeria’s 36 states, serves as a platform for sharing governance experiences and promoting national development. It focuses on offering policy recommendations to enhance Nigeria’s democratic governance and socio-economic progress.