The former governor of Ogun State, Mr Olusegun Osoba, has cited distrust and suspicion as the primary reasons presidents and governors do not support their deputies for succession.
Osoba stated this at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held yesterday in Abuja under the theme ‘Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.’
He noted the contempt which presidents and governors hold for their deputies is a global phenomenon, including in Nigeria.
“It is most unfortunate. It is not just in Africa. It happens all over the world,” he said.
He made reference to the frosty relationship between the former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his deputy, Al Gore.
“You will recall the case of Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Al Gore contested the presidency but did not get Clinton’s full support because he feared Clinton might be a liability to 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. 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,” he remarked.
Osoba also expressed concern about the increasing cases of governors orchestrating the impeachment of their deputies.
When asked about the possibility of constitutional amendments to protect deputies from being undermined by their superiors, Osoba said sceptically: “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.
He said the key to resolving the issue lies in building better relationships between leaders and their deputies, rather than relying on legal measures.
“It is not by law but by relationship. Cooperation between leaders is crucial,” he added.
In his contribution, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Abdullahi Ganduje, said the governor-deputy or president-deputy relationship is a contentious issue which many leaders shy away from discussing.
“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,” he declared.
