The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called for greater inclusion of women, youths and marginalised minorities in governance, proposing reserved executive positions and legislative seats at federal, state and local government levels.
The Forum said inclusive governance and stronger citizen participation were essential to national development and efforts to bridge the gap between leaders and the people.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its Fifth National Conference in Abuja, jointly signed by National Chairman, Dr Chris Akomas; Deputy National Chairman, South, Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Deputy National Chairman, North, Mukhtar Ahmed-Anka.
The conference was chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, with former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as co-chairman.
The Forum also proposed stronger ward-level consultative assemblies to enable citizens to engage elected representatives regularly and contribute to decisions affecting their communities.
It urged political leaders to support young Nigerians in digital innovation and creative industries, while calling for an effective regulatory framework to guide the use of artificial intelligence.
On economic development, the former deputy governors urged government to harness Nigeria’s agricultural and solid mineral resources, strengthen technological capacity and complete the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
They also commended the Federal Government and security agencies for efforts to tackle insecurity, while calling for sustained investment to improve security operations.
The Forum further advocated merit-based recruitment in the public service, insisting that competence and character should guide appointments. It also called for clear service standards to improve communication, accessibility, complaints handling and feedback in government institutions.
To strengthen public confidence, it urged government officials to communicate honestly about policies, achievements and challenges.
The communiqué also called for increased public awareness of Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution to promote patriotism and responsible citizenship.
On social development, the Forum urged governments to preserve positive cultural values, improve teachers’ remuneration and clearly define the constitutional role of traditional rulers in supporting culture and modern governance.
It also recommended effective programmes to reintegrate ex-convicts into society and reduce barriers to their return to productive life.
The conference, themed “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development,” emphasised the need for inclusive leadership, stronger institutions and closer engagement between government and citizens.
