Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for specific constitutional duties to be assigned to deputy governors.
Addressing the annual conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), held in Abuja under the theme “Partnering in the shared vision for good governance and sustainable development,” Ganduje argued that granting constitutional roles to deputy governors would keep them occupied. This, he added, would help prevent unnecessary conflicts between governors and their deputies.
Ganduje, who was represented by the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), expressed satisfaction with the initiative taken by the deputy governors to form a forum and engage in advocacy. He emphasized the need to constitutionally define roles for deputy governors, as it would contribute to improved governance.
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, also spoke at the event, urging political leaders to be guided by patriotism in all their endeavors. He asserted that there is nothing inherently wrong with the Nigerian Constitution, but the issue lies in the failure to abide by it.
Agabi stated, “There are some of us who feel that the constitution is an invalid document, it is illegitimate, it is a product of the military. Even if it is a broken-down vehicle, it is the vehicle. It is a good constitution; there is nothing wrong with it. However good a constitution is, it is not a self-executing document, it doesn’t enforce itself. It requires good people to enforce it.”
He further emphasized the importance of respecting the Constitution and the nation’s history, discouraging the characterization of Nigeria as an artificial creation. Agabi appealed to those in positions of power to reconcile with those who share their viewpoints.