Why Presidents, Governors avoid handling over power to deputies-Osoba

Former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba remarked on Tuesday that the lack of trust and prevailing suspicion are key reasons why many presidents and governors hesitate to delegate power to their deputies. He shared these insights during the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja.

The conference, which focused on “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” addressed significant governance challenges. Osoba described the situation as regrettable, noting that it is a widespread issue, not limited to Nigeria or Africa.

He referenced the political dynamics between former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton as an illustration. “This is a global concern, not just an African one. Al Gore, who was once vice president, chose not to involve Clinton in his presidential campaign due to concerns about potential liabilities,” Osoba explained. He emphasized that it is uncommon for a deputy to follow in the footsteps of their superior, yet he remains hopeful about the potential of young leaders in Nigeria, as highlighted during the conference.

Osoba also expressed concern over the ongoing trend of governors orchestrating or backing impeachment efforts against their deputies. When asked if constitutional amendments could safeguard deputies from such actions, he indicated that the situation is complex. “Unfortunately, there’s little that can be done to prevent governors from utilizing their influence to impeach their deputies. If the State House of Assembly aligns with the governor, he can pursue impeachment without much resistance,” he stated.

He advocated for stronger relationships among leaders, emphasizing that collaboration is key. “Building relationships is crucial, rather than relying solely on legal provisions,” he noted.

Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, also weighed in, acknowledging that the topic is often contentious and avoided by many leaders. In a lighter vein, he joked that even God did not appoint a deputy during creation. Ganduje expressed hope that ongoing discussions could prompt lawmakers to consider constitutional reforms to bolster the role of deputy leaders.