ABUJA, Nigeria – At the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) National Conference in Abuja, key figures advocated for a renewed examination of Nigeria’s federal structure, citing the 1999 Constitution as a fundamental barrier to effective governance.
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Victor B. Attah, who chaired the event, led the call for constitutional reform to restore true federalism in Nigeria, describing the current governance framework as a legacy of military rule that impedes development.
Addressing participants at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Attah criticised the 1999 Constitution, arguing that it perpetuates centralised control, inherited from Nigeria’s military era, which hampers federalism and undermines good governance, accountability, and progress.
“The defilement of federalism has been the biggest drawback to good governance, inclusiveness, and development,” Obong Attah stated.
The former governor challenged the forum to advocate for structural reforms, underscoring the urgent need to realign Nigeria’s governance with federal principles.
Attah also acknowledged the forum’s efforts in highlighting the nation’s core challenges.
“The theme of your conference and the five sub-themes show that you have a clear awareness of our current situation in this country,” he noted, urging the FFDGN to leverage its expertise to promote a culture of accountability and governance reform.
Reflecting on the forum’s 2022 Annual General Meeting, Attah reinforced the view that the military-installed command structure remains a persistent hindrance to Nigeria’s socio-political development.
Osoba Encourages Deputy Governors to Aspire to National Leadership
Former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba, echoed Attah’s sentiments and encouraged former deputy governors to pursue the nation’s highest offices, citing the precedent set by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“There is still hope. You produced a president before—why can’t you do it again?” Osoba said, referencing Jonathan’s journey from deputy governor of Bayelsa State to the presidency.
Praising the FFDGN’s non-partisan stance and commitment to national advancement, Osoba underscored the importance of food security as a pillar of Nigeria’s future, stating, “A self-sufficient nation is a powerful one.”
Forum’s Vision for Governance and Economic Solutions
Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, Director-General of the FFDGN, outlined the forum’s dedication to fostering dialogue and strategic policy initiatives that address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Since its founding in 2011, the FFDGN has become a crucial platform for former leaders to contribute their expertise towards governance reforms.
Ibe-Kalu credited the forum’s founding members with establishing a vision that prioritises sustainable development and supports future leaders.
Chris A. Akomas, Chairman of the FFDGN, called for immediate, strategic interventions to address Nigeria’s governance inefficiencies and food insecurity.
He highlighted the conference theme, “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” as a call to action for participants to move beyond discussions.
“Nation-building requires a collective commitment to innovation and practical solutions,” Dr Akomas emphasised, pointing to the forum’s role in shaping reforms through collaboration.
Emphasising the role of international partnerships, Akomas cited the FFDGN’s collaboration with the Polish Nigeria Business Council to boost trade and investment as an example of initiatives that could foster growth.
He announced plans to compile a comprehensive record of the forum’s governance experiences, intending to provide a resource for Nigeria’s future leaders.
The conference is expected to produce a series of actionable recommendations aimed at improving governance frameworks and addressing food security, ensuring a pathway to sustainable growth in Nigeria.
