Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, on Tuesday, stated that suspicion and lack of trust are the primary reasons many presidents and governors avoid transferring leadership to their deputies.
The veteran journalist expressed these concerns at the 3rd
Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in
Abuja.
The event, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance,
Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” highlighted these governance
challenges.
While describing the situation as unfortunate, Osoba noted that it is a global issue, not confined to Nigeria or Africa.
The former governor cited the political tension between
former United States Vice President Al Gore and his principal, Bill Clinton, as
an example.
He said, “It is most unfortunate. It is not just in Africa —
it happens all over the world. You will recall the case of Al Gore and Bill
Clinton. Al Gore was his vice president, and he contested the presidency. But
because he thought Clinton might be a liability, he didn’t involve him in his
campaign.
“So, this issue is not limited to Nigeria. It is rare to see
a deputy succeeding their boss. However, there are still opportunities for such
individuals in this country. As I mentioned earlier, the array of leaders who
are still young and passionate about Nigeria, even from what we have seen at this
conference, gives us confidence that one day, one of them will emerge as the
president of this country.”
Osoba also lamented the persistent trend of governors
plotting or sponsoring impeachment against their deputies.
When asked whether the constitution could be amended to
protect deputies from their superiors in government, the politician said there
was little anyone could do.
“Again, you can’t
amend the constitution against governors using their influence and powers to
impeach their deputies. There is nothing anybody can do about it. If the State
House of Assembly is friendly with the governor, he can attempt anything,
including impeaching his deputy.
“What we should continue to promote is for leaders to build
relationships. It is not by law but through relationship. As they say, you wash
your hands with both the left and right—it’s through cooperation,” he stated.
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives
Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, also shared his perspective, acknowledging that
this is a controversial issue many leaders are reluctant to discuss.
Ganduje, however, lightened the mood by joking that even God
Almighty didn’t consider having a deputy during creation.
The former Kano governor expressed optimism that continued
advocacy might lead lawmakers to call for a constitutional review to strengthen
the position of deputy leaders.
He said, “Whether you are a deputy governor or a vice
president, it’s the same concept of deputising. This concept is a very
controversial one.
Even in theology, God has no deputy because of its
controversial nature. God declared that everyone, including His prophets, is a
servant. So, it’s an issue that remains a no-go area.
“But a leader doesn’t determine his continuity in office. A
leader could fall sick at any time and would need someone to steer the ship. If
a leader dies, there must be someone to take over. No one can do it alone.
“The difference between a governor and his deputy is not
biological. It’s not because one was born to be a governor and the other to be
a deputy.
I think this is an issue we will continue to debate until
there is a review of the Constitution. Perhaps certain provisions could be
added in favour of deputy governors.”
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