The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has called for a constitutional review to strengthen the position of deputy leaders in Nigeria.
Ganduje made this call at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja, with the event themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria”.
Speaking at the event, which highlighted the challenges of governance, Ganduje who is also a former governor stated said the subject is a controversial one that many leaders are reluctant to talk about.
He, however, expressed belief in a review of the constitution to strengthen the position of deputy leaders in Nigeria.
“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,” Ganduje said.
The former governor of Kano State, however, went ahead to make a joke of the issue, saying that even God Almighty didn’t consider having a deputy during creation.
“Whether you are a deputy governor or a vice president, it’s the same concept of deputising. This concept is a very controversial one,” he said.
“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.”
The APC chieftain added that a leader doesn’t determine his continuity in office because he or she could fall sick at any time and would need someone to steer the ship.
He also pointed out that if a leader dies, there must be someone to take over because no one can do it alone.
According to Ganduje, the difference between a governor and his deputy is not biological, adding that it is not because one was born to be a governor and the other to be a deputy.
