SGF Harps On Good Relations Between Governors, Deputies

By Georgina Humphrey

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has called for a harmonious relationship between Governors and their deputies to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

He made the call at a two day conference organised by the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja.

Senator Akume stressed the need for Governors to work in synergy with their deputies, and always delegate key roles to them to give them a sense of belonging.

Earlier in his remarks, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi stressed that there is nothing wrong with Nigeria’s Constitution as all the country needs is good people to implement and enforce the Constitution.

“There is nothing wrong with our Constitution. Even if it is a broken down vehicle, it is the vehicle that we have” he added.

“There are some of us who feel that the Constitution is an invalid document, it is illegitimate, it is a product of the Military. That is a wrong position. We have a constitution and must observe it”.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed dissatisfaction over the relegation of deputy governors across the states, a situation which he described as contrary to constitutional provisions.

Agabi who also noted that Nigeria needs a National Integration Commission to foster unity appealed to the Federal Government to come to terms with dissenting voices in a manner that would bring about national unity.

“However good the Constitution is, it is not a self-enforcing document; it requires good people to enforce it. It is not intended to be a perfect document. The nation must begin to respect the Constitution”, he stated.

On his part the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC Abdullahi Ganduje represented by the Deputy National Chairman South of the party, Emma Enuku urged Deputy Governors to be indispensable by coming up with ideas that would promote good governance.

Declaring the summit open, the Governor of Kwara State who is the chairman of the Governors forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak charged Governors and their deputies to work together for nation building.

Earlier the National Chairman, Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria Chris Akomas called for Unity among Deputy Governors and their principals to enable the nation to thrive and deepen democracy.

Akomas, a former Deputy Governor of Abia, who noted that the Nation needs inputs from Nigerians to function emphasized on the need for all hands to be on deck for the country’s progress.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to some dignitaries including the former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, a founding member of the forum, late former Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa amongst others.

Edited By Grace Namiji