From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors in Nigeria (FFDGN) has called for constitutional amendment to clearly specify the duties of deputy governors in Nigeria.
This is contained in the Communique agreed upon at the just concluded 2023 Annual National Conference and Summit for Serving Deputy Governors and signed by its National Chairman Chris Akomas in Abuja.
The communique also stated that the relationship between the governors and deputies should be that of partnership to enhance effective and efficient governance.
It recommended that a Constitutional Court for electoral litigation be created to handle all election cases.
“That all electoral cases be discharged at least three months before swearing in of those elected, also the Constitution should be amended to provide clear roles for Deputy Governors”
It added that Deputy Governors should be accorded their dues having vied on joint tickets with their Governors.
The communique urged Governors to engage their Deputies through effective delegation to utilise their skills, knowledge and competences for good governance of their states.
“Governors should endeavour to maintain a healthy working relationship with their Deputies to enhance good governance and Deputies should engage in seamless pursuit of their governance agenda as a team for the sustenance of unity and political inclusiveness.
According to the communique social engineering is imperative for effective social change to address the crisis in the current standard of living.
It urged serving Deputy Governors to duly accord their Governors due respect in the course of governance.
The two day conference was chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, Secretary to the government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Others are the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Present serving deputy governors, former Deputy Governors, amongst others.