Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, on Tuesday, stated that suspicion and lack of trust are the primary reasons many presidents and governors avoid transferring leadership to their deputies.

The veteran journalist expressed these concerns at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja.

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 lamented the persistent trend of governors plotting or sponsoring impeachment against their deputies.

When asked whether the constitution could be amended to protect deputies from their superiors in government, the politician said there was little anyone could do.

“Again, 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.

“What we should continue to promote is for leaders to build relationships. It is not by law but through relationship. As they say, you wash your hands with both the left and right—it’s through cooperation,” he stated.

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, also shared his perspective, acknowledging that this is a controversial issue many leaders are reluctant to discuss.

Ganduje, however, lightened the mood by joking that even God Almighty didn’t consider having a deputy during creation.

The former Kano governor expressed optimism that continued advocacy might lead lawmakers to call for a constitutional review to strengthen the position of deputy leaders.

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.”

PUNCH