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Seeks women, youths’ inclusion, merit-based appointments
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Demands Ajaokuta completion, stronger security investment
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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called for a radical overhaul of the country’s leadership recruitment process, insisting that competence, character and credibility must determine who occupies public office.
The Forum said the reform was critical to restoring public trust, strengthening democracy and bridging the widening gap between political leaders and citizens.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its Fifth National Conference, held in Abuja.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the Forum’s 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 argued that Nigeria’s democratic institutions could only command public confidence if leaders emerged through a credible process and demonstrated integrity, competence and commitment to responsive governance.
It also advocated merit-based recruitment across the public service, urging government institutions to establish clear standards for service delivery, including processing timelines, accessibility, communication and complaints resolution.
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.
They also called for stronger ward-level consultative assemblies to provide regular platforms for citizens to engage elected representatives and influence decisions affecting their communities.
The Forum urged public officials to adopt strategic communication frameworks that promote transparency about government policies, achievements and challenges, warning that poor communication could deepen public suspicion and erode confidence in government.
On youth development, it called for greater support for young Nigerians in digital innovation and the creative industries, alongside an effective regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
The communiqué also stressed the need to harness Nigeria’s agricultural and solid mineral resources, strengthen technological capacity and complete the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to accelerate industrialisation and economic growth.
While commending the Federal Government and security agencies for efforts to tackle insecurity, the Forum called for sustained investment in the security sector to improve operational effectiveness.
It further advocated greater public enlightenment on Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, particularly the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, to promote patriotism and responsible citizenship.
On national values, the Forum called for the preservation and adaptation of cultural traditions that promote ethical leadership and social cohesion. It also demanded improved teachers’ remuneration and a clearer definition of the constitutional role of traditional rulers in contemporary governance.
The former deputy governors further urged the establishment of effective reintegration programmes for ex-convicts to support their return to society.
The conference, themed “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development”, examined strategies for strengthening leadership, public orientation and institutional reforms.
The Forum maintained that credible leadership, accountable institutions and sustained engagement between government and citizens remained essential to rebuilding public trust and achieving sustainable national development.
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