The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria has called on the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, to amend the party constitution to include their members ahead of the next meeting of the National Executive Committee.
The 60-member delegation of former deputy governors made the call when they visited the national headquarters of the party on a solidarity visit on Monday.
While decrying their omission from the list of dignitaries that turned up for the NEC meeting at Transcorp Hilton two weeks ago, Chairman of the forum, Chris Alozie Akomas disclosed that deputy governors are known to have a massive following in Nigerian politics.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the former deputy governor in Imo state further stressed that their expertise and experience after years of service cannot be wished away.
He said, “Our own interest should be protected. If there is a political party to which you have made contributions you should be carried along when the body takes critical decisions. We still repeat that we take it (former deputy governors’ exclusion) as an omission. You captured Speakers and Deputy Speakers but leave out people that served and represented the whole state; people who carry structures of a state.
“It is not good neither for the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria nor for the political party or effective governance. This is because the effectiveness of governance has to do with bringing in cross-fertilisation of ideas. As we said, within the forum of deputy governors, there are expertise, experience, knowledge, and professionalism. That has to be done across boards.
“This issue we raised has nothing to do with National Assembly. I am talking about APC Constitution. It is an omission and we are following it up. We don’t want to give it different meanings. Because it’s not only in the APC that we have this. But it seems to be more pronounced in the ruling party and we want it corrected. It is a simple thing. There are other issues though. But as you join us for our national summit in October, you will hear more because we are doing this in collaboration with relevant authorities. We have contacted the governors’ forum and also doing our best to collaborate with the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.”
Reacting to their concern, Ganduje promised to look into the issue, saying he understands their plight having served as a deputy governor.
Ganduje said, “The position of a deputy governor is a controversial one in governance. That’s why God has no deputy. APC as a political party is interested in what happens in government. It’s a two-way thing. We get information from govt and pass it to the people, just as we receive complaints from the people and pass it to the government.
“Everybody is a servant. It is a no-go area. Deputy governors are being seen as spare tyres. And we all know the importance of a spare tyre. If you don’t need it when you are normal, you will need it when you are in trouble.
“Another problem deputy governors will have to contend with is the issue of sycophancy. When you are walking with a governor and walk side by side to hear him when he talks, sycophants will say you are rubbish and all that. If you respect your principal by walking behind, sycophants will say you are developing a lukewarm attitude. Therefore you are retreating. Now, tell me which position will you take? It is difficult.”
