The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria [FFDGN] has known as for a reputable political management recruitment course of as a panacea for restoring public belief and bridging the widening hole between authorities and the residents.
The name was contained in a communiqué issued by the nationwide chairman of the discussion board, Dr Chris Akomas, alongside the deputy nationwide chairman, South, Hazeem Gbolarumi and deputy nationwide chairman, North, Mukhtar Ahmed-Anka, on the finish of its fifth nationwide convention held from twentieth to twenty first October, 2026, in Abuja.
The two-day convention, themed “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development,” was chaired by former governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, with former governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as co-chairman.
The Forum mentioned the present disconnect between leaders and the led is fuelled by a flawed recruitment course of that fails to supply leaders with confirmed character and competence.
“The Forum recommended that government reassess the process of political leadership recruitment in order to ensure that the process brings out credible persons with proven records, thereby earning trust and legitimacy,” it said.
It argued that public belief and institutional legitimacy can solely be earned when leaders emerge by credible, clear processes and reveal tangible dedication to responsive governance.
Beyond management recruitment, the Forum made far-reaching suggestions to rebuild the social contract and known as for a decisive shift from patronage to benefit, urging strict merit-based recruitment anchored on competence and character.
It additional known as on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to publish and implement clear service supply requirements.
“Government institutions should publish clear service standards specifying expected processing times, communication requirements, accessibility provisions, and feedback and complaints mechanisms,” it added.
The Forum requires deepened inclusion by institutionalised gender quotas and reservation of government positions and legislative seats for girls, youth and marginalized minorities on the federal, state and native authorities ranges.
It additionally really helpful the institution of formal ward-level consultative assemblies to supply common platforms for residents to have interaction elected representatives.
The Forum additionally known as for a nationwide framework that compels public officers to speak brazenly and truthfully about authorities achievements and challenges as a method of decreasing public suspicion of governance.
It urged the Federal Government to assist youth participation in digital innovation, develop an efficient regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI), harness the nation’s huge pure assets in agriculture and strong minerals, and make sure the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
It additional known as for vigorous advocacy on Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution to inculcate patriotism, preservation of tolerating cultural values, promotion of household and group loyalty, formal reintegration of ex-convicts into society, enhanced remuneration for lecturers, and a clearly outlined constitutional position for conventional rulers.
Meanwhile, talking on the occasion as Grand Patron of the Forum, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by former Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, warned that ethnic and sectional politics stays a significant impediment to credible management.
“One major obstacle to Nigeria’s political development is division along ethnic, religious and regional lines. We must rise above these differences and promote politics founded on competence, integrity, inclusion and national interest,” Jonathan mentioned.
He famous that his journey as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President and President taught him enduring classes in governance.
“The experience teaches patience, loyalty, consultation and teamwork. Above all, it reminds us that governance is not about one individual but about strong institutions and service to the people,” he said.
Also talking as Co-Chairman, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa decried the rising alienation of residents from authorities as a consequence of poor coverage implementation.
“There is usually a gulf between policy formulation, implementation, and citizens’ everyday life. Over the years, our citizens have rightly or wrongly felt disconnected from governance, as their expectations, needs, and aspirations appear not to have been reasonably met. The consequence is a weakening of the social contract between the state and its citizens,” Okowa mentioned.
He known as for a shift from a government-centred to a people-centred improvement mannequin with lively participation of younger individuals.
We’ve received the sting. Get real-time studies, breaking scoops, and unique angles delivered straight to your cellphone. Don’t accept stale information. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for twenty-four/7 updates →
