MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH/Kano
Deputy Governor and Governor-elect of Kano state, northwest Nigeria, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has called for good working relationship between governors and their Deputies, noting that such situation will provide enabling environment for even distribution of the dividends of democracy to the people.
Ganduje who spoke while presenting a paper entitled “Deputizing in Governance ” at Pre- inauguration Retreat organized by Progressive Governors Forum in Abuja, said without peace and harmony betweeb governors and their Deputies, it will be difficult to ensure development.
He also hinted that in Kano state, for instance, Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso administration was able to record gigantic achievements because of the good working relationship that existed between him and the governor.
Ganduje is a two-term Deputy Governor under Kwankwaso’s administration.
“Since the Institutionalization of Democracy in Nigeria, 30 percent of Deputy Governors have either resigned or Impeached due to strained working relationship between their masters noting that even theologically the Almighty God has no Deputy as such human beings who are subject to making mistakes have to have those that will help them in steering the affairs of the people and in case of any eventuality,” he noted.
He further pointed out that a Deputy Governor is expected to demonstrate loyalty to his boss at all times, adding that, “the principal in turn is expected to reciprocate the gesture by assigning him responsibilities that will pave way for ensuring good Governance.”
According to him, “most Deputy Governors in the process of governing their people are over ambitious which run them into conflict with their Governors, a situation, which results in much suspicion and lead to their impeachment by their principals.
“Disloyalty on the part of the Deputy Governors is a serious crime which pitches Governors against their Deputies,” noting that in such scenario, the Deputy must be loyal to his boss, “and they most see each other as members of the same team.”
He further reminded his audience that the constitution granted powers to the Governors who are expected to delegate such powers to their Deputies when the need arises.
The Kano state Governor-elect also advised that governors should pick Deputies who have the capacity to deliver on their assigned duties, stressing that failure to do so make governors end up beating around the bush without when they climb the mantle of leadership with incompetent Deputies.
He also explained that Governor-Deputy relationship is not supposed to be seen as a master-servant relationship, “they must understand themselves and the Governors should avoid marginalizing their Deputies, because they have their own followers for the success of their government.”
Dr. Ganduje further said that one of the contributing factors that create problems between Governors and their Deputies is sycophants who strike at every opportunity to incite governors against their Deputies.
In his opening remark, the chairman Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said a leader must make sacrifice and inconvenience himself for the joy of his people, noting that leaders must have the political will to implement decisions that will benefit their people.