— Forum calls for security investment, ex-convicts’ reintegration
— Demands merit-based recruitment, women’s inclusion and stronger grassroots engagement
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDG-N) has called for a reassessment of the country’s leadership recruitment process ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure the emergence of credible individuals capable of earning citizens’ trust.
The forum also urged the Federal Government to sustain investment in security agencies, establish effective reintegration programmes for ex-convicts and strengthen grassroots engagement between political representatives and citizens.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued on Thursday at the end of the forum’s fifth National Conference, held from October 20 to 21 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The conference was themed, “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition Towards Sustainable Development.”
The event was chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, and co-chaired by former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
According to the communiqué, Nigeria’s democracy can thrive when the leadership recruitment process produces credible individuals who command public confidence and possess the legitimacy to lead.
“Recruitment processes into the public service of Nigeria should accord considerable attention to competence and character in ways that selection systems prioritise merit,” the forum said.
It also called for the reassessment of political leadership selection, while urging political leaders to support young Nigerians to pursue digital innovation and creativity.
On security, the forum commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts to secure the country, urging continued investment in the agencies to improve their operational efficiency.
It further called on the government to establish effective programmes for reintegrating former inmates into society.
“The Federal Government should institute an effective programme for reintegration of ex-convicts in society,” the communiqué stated.
The forum also urged the government to harness Nigeria’s youthful population, agricultural potential, solid mineral resources and intellectual and technological capacity to promote national development.
It specifically called for the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex as part of efforts to advance nation-building and sustainable development.
On governance and public service delivery, the former deputy governors called for the full implementation of service standards specifying expected processing times, communication requirements, accessibility provisions and mechanisms for complaints and feedback.
They also urged the Federal Government to develop a strategic communication framework requiring public officials to communicate openly and honestly about government achievements and challenges.
The forum said such a framework would help reduce public suspicion surrounding governance.
It further called for an effective regulatory framework for the use of artificial intelligence in the country.
On inclusion, the forum advocated governance structures that would guarantee greater representation for women, young people and marginalised minorities.
It recommended the institutionalisation of gender quotas for executive positions and legislative seats at the federal, state and local government levels.
The communiqué also urged the government to define the constitutional role of traditional rulers more clearly to strengthen their contributions to cultural preservation and modern governance.
It called on governments at all levels to preserve and adapt enduring cultural values to promote ethical leadership, social cohesion and national development.
The forum further advocated stronger family and community values, mutual respect between leaders and citizens, and the formalisation of consultative assemblies at ward levels to improve regular communication between elected representatives and communities.
It also called for vigorous public enlightenment on Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, particularly its Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, as a means of promoting patriotism.
The forum added that teachers’ remuneration should be improved to strengthen their capacity to serve as role models.
The communiqué was signed by the forum’s National Chairman, Dr Chris Alomash; Deputy National Chairman, South, Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Deputy National Chairman, North, Muktar Ahmed Anka.
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