By Peter Adelowo
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN, has called for a fundamental reassessment of the country’s leadership recruitment process, insisting that competence, character and credibility must take priority in the emergence of public office holders.
The Forum said the reform was necessary to rebuild citizens’ trust in government, strengthen democratic legitimacy and bridge the widening disconnect between political leaders and the people.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s Fifth National Conference in Abuja, jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr Chris Akomas; Deputy National Chairman, South, Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Deputy National Chairman, North, Mukhtar Ahmed-Anka.
The communique maintained that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would be strengthened when the process of selecting leaders produced individuals capable of earning public confidence through integrity, competence and responsive governance.
It also called for merit-based recruitment across the public service, urging government institutions to adopt clear service standards covering processing timelines, accessibility, communication, complaints and feedback.
On inclusive governance, the former deputy governors proposed institutionalised gender quotas, including reserved executive positions and legislative seats for women, youths and marginalised minorities at federal, state and local government levels.
It further advocated the establishment and strengthening of ward-level consultative assemblies to provide regular platforms for citizens to engage elected representatives and communicate their concerns.
The Forum also urged public officials to adopt a strategic communication framework that would promote openness and honesty about government policies, achievements and challenges, noting that transparent communication could help reduce public suspicion and improve confidence in governance.
On youth development, it called on political leaders to support young Nigerians in digital innovation and creative industries, while urging the establishment of an effective regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
The communiqué also highlighted the need to harness Nigeria’s agricultural and solid mineral resources, strengthen intellectual and technological capacity, and complete the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to support industrialisation and economic growth.
While commending the Federal Government and security agencies for efforts to address insecurity, the Forum called for sustained investment in the security sector to improve operational effectiveness.
It also urged stronger public enlightenment on Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, particularly its Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, to promote patriotism and responsible citizenship.
The Forum called for the preservation and adaptation of cultural values that encourage ethical leadership and social cohesion, alongside improved teachers’ remuneration and a clearer definition of the constitutional role of traditional rulers in modern governance.
It further advocated effective reintegration programmes for ex-convicts to facilitate their return to society.
The Forum stressed that credible leadership, accountable institutions and stronger engagement between government and citizens were essential to building public trust and achieving sustainable national development.
The conference, chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, with former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as co-chairman, examined ways to strengthen nation-building through improved leadership, public orientation, character, culture and institutional reforms.
The conference was held under the theme, “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development.”
