Kano State Governor-elect Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has emphasised the need for good working relationship between governors and their deputies.
He noted that such relationship will add value to the process of good governance and development in the country.
Ganduje spoke while presenting a paper entitled: “Deputising in Governance “ at Pre-inauguration Retreat organised by Progressive Governors Forum at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Ganduje, who is a two-term deputy governor, decried the frosty relationship existing between governors and their deputies since the Second Republic.
“Since the institutionalisation of democracy in Nigeria, 30 per cent of deputy governors have either resigned or impeached due to strain working relationship between their masters,” he said.
He noted that even theologically, the Almighty God has no deputy, “and 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.”
The governor-elect noted 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.”
He added that “most deputy governors in the process of governing their people are overambitious, which run them into conflict with their governors, a situation, which results in much suspicion and lead to their impeachment by their principals.”
He noted that “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.”
Ganduje 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 Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, said a leader must make sacrifice and inconvenience himself for the joy of his people.
He noted that leaders must have the political will to implement decisions that will benefit their people.