Ganduje Tasks Former Deputy Governors On Mediating Governor-Deputy Crises
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje urged the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria to mediate disputes between serving governors and their deputies.
- Ganduje emphasized the crucial and often challenging role of deputy governors in governance and ensuring continuity.
- He also recommended that the Forum address conflicts between outgoing governors and their successors to promote peaceful democratic transitions.
Former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called upon the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria to adopt a more proactive stance in resolving conflicts between incumbent governors and their deputies. Ganduje made this appeal during a courtesy visit from members of the Forum in Abuja, ahead of their annual national conference.
Ganduje highlighted that the Forum, comprised of experienced former deputy governors, is uniquely positioned to intervene in these gubernatorial-deputy rifts, regardless of political party affiliations. He believes their collective moral authority and extensive experience would command respect and help avert political crises that could disrupt governance. "The office of the deputy governor is one of the most challenging in our political system, yet it remains indispensable to effective governance and constitutional succession," Ganduje stated.
He further stressed the importance of deputy governors in providing critical support to governors and ensuring governmental continuity, emphasizing that their role must be protected. The former governor also suggested that the Forum extend its engagement to encompass conflicts arising between outgoing governors and their successors, a recurring challenge within Nigeria's democratic landscape. Ganduje recommended that future conferences should yield practical recommendations for strengthening relationships among political leaders and fostering peaceful democratic transitions.
Ganduje commended the Forum for its consistent annual conferences and advocacy for good governance, viewing it as a reflection of their commitment to national development. He encouraged members to continue offering policy advice based on their public service experience, noting its value to governments at all levels. Earlier, the Forum's Chairman, Comrade Chris Akomas, affirmed the organization's dedication to national unity, good governance, and sustainable development, operating as a non-partisan body in collaboration with various stakeholders.
The office of the deputy governor is one of the most challenging in our political system, yet it remains indispensable to effective governance and constitutional succession.
Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.