L-R: Ex-Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah and former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje at the 5th National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja.
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to establish an effective programme for the reintegration of ex-convicts into society and improve teachers’ remuneration to strengthen their role in moulding future generations.
The forum also urged governments at all levels to promote inclusive governance by reserving executive positions and legislative seats for women, youths and marginalised groups as part of efforts to bridge the disconnect between political leaders and citizens.
The recommendations were contained in a communiqué jointly issued by the forum’s National Chairman, Dr Chris Akoma; Deputy National Chairman (South), Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Deputy National Chairman (North), Mukhtar Anka, at the end of the forum’s fifth national conference, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel from October 20 to 21, 2026.
The conference was chaired by a former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, with a former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as co-chairman.
In the communiqué, the forum stressed the need for deliberate policies to address the challenges of reintegrating former inmates into society, although it did not outline specific measures for implementing the proposed programme.
“The Federal Government should institute an effective programme for reintegration of ex-convicts in society.
“The FFDGN recommends vigorous advocacy and public enlightenment on Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution as amended on the fundamental and directive principles of state policies as a means of inculcating patriotism,” it stated.
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors also called for improved teachers’ remuneration, arguing that better pay would facilitate and promote their responsibility as role models for younger generations.
On governance, the former deputy governors urged the Federal Government to develop a strategic communication blueprint requiring public officials to communicate openly and honestly about government achievements and challenges.
According to the communiqué, such an approach would help reduce public suspicion surrounding governance and improve citizens’ trust in public institutions.
“Teachers’ remuneration should be enhanced to facilitate and promote their role modelling responsibility. The government is encouraged to provide an effective regulatory framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence.
“Again, government should formalise and strengthen the consultative assembly at ward levels with community representatives to enhance regular communication and engagement between political representatives and citizens throughout the country,” the statement added.
The ex-deputy governors commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts to secure the country and encouraged continued investment in the agencies to improve their operational efficiency.
They also urged political leaders to support young people in pursuing digital innovation and creativity, while calling for an effective regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
“The FFDGN commends the Federal Government and security agencies’ efforts at securing the country and is encouraged to continue to invest in the security agencies to enhance their operational efficiency.
“Recruitment processes into the public service of Nigeria should accord considerable attention to competence and character in ways that selection prioritises merit,” the forum noted.