Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, on Tuesday, shared insights into why outgoing Presidents and Governors often refrain from supporting their deputies’ bids to succeed them......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The veteran journalist posited that suspicion and lack of trust are the primary reasons many presidents and governors avoid transferring leadership to their deputies.
Osoba, who made this position at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja, emphasized that this issue extends beyond Nigeria.
The event, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” highlighted these governance challenges.
While describing the situation as unfortunate, Osoba noted that it is a global issue, not confined to Nigeria or Africa.
The former governor cited the political tension between former United States Vice President Al Gore and his principal, Bill Clinton, as an example.
He said, “It is most unfortunate. It is not just in Africa — it happens all over the world. You will recall the case of Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Al Gore was his vice president, and he contested the presidency. But because he thought Clinton might be a liability, he didn’t involve him in 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. As I mentioned earlier, 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.”
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 was skeptical, saying, “There is little anybody can do about it. If the State House of Assembly is friendly with the governor, he can attempt anything, including impeaching his deputy.”
“What we should continue to promote is for leaders to build relationships. It is not by law but through relationships. As they say, you wash your hands with both the left and right—it’s through cooperation,” he added.
In his address at the conference, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also offered his perspective, acknowledging that this is a controversial issue many leaders are reluctant to discuss.
While commenting on the complexities of the deputy role, Ganduje, however, lightened the mood by joking that even God Almighty didn’t consider having a deputy during creation.
“Even in theology, God has no deputy because of its controversial nature. A leader does not determine his continuity in office. If a leader falls sick or dies, someone has to take over.”
The former Kano governor suggested that ongoing discussions and perhaps a constitutional review might eventually address some of the challenges faced by deputy governors.
He said, “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…READ FULL CONTENT FROM THE SOURCE ↔️